INVASION STATUS OF COMMON CARP (Cyprinus carpio), IN ARGENTINAN INLAND WATERS

COLAUTTI, D. C.; MAIZTEGUI, T.; BAIGÚN, C. R. M.

Mar del Plata

Conferencia; 2nd World Conference on Biological Invasions and Ecosystem; 2011

The common carp is a highly invasive fish that is considered a nuisance species around the world, being linked to habitat alterations and loss of biodiversity in several countries. Native from the Ponto-Caspian region, it is one of the most extensively translocated and domesticated fish species. At present, it has been established in every continent except Antarctica. In Argentina was originally introduced in the 19th century increasing its distribution during the last decades of 20th century. Although its presence has been documented in several basins, comprehensive information about the invasion status has not been gathered yet. The aim of this study is to update the current distribution of the common carp in Argentina. Multisource information was considered to assess the present geographical distribution and compared with previous records. From its first record in the wild (1930) until 1985 the carp was documented in 23 sites. However, since 2011, the carp has spread out through practically every basins of the country (119 sites), except those of the southern Patagonia, encompassing all ichthyogeographical regions of Argentina. Absence of carp in southern Patagonian watersheds could be linked to basins isolation rather than to carp bionomic limitations. Punctual stocking and land channelization could be considered as the main factors accounting for its present distribution. Negative environmental effects of carp have already been proved in other countries; thus further studies must be undertaken in Argentina to assess the impact upon aquatic ecosystems.