Naturalized Fishes of the World

"All over the world fish are both an important part of a region's biological diversity and a valuable human resource either for food or as a sporting or amenity asset. This human interest in fish has inevitably led to the widespread practice of introducing various species to waters outside their normal range.". "This book describes where, when, how, and by whom the alien inland fishes now living in a wild state throughout the world were introduced, how they subsequently became naturalized and what, if any, effects they have had in their new environment.". "The preface and introduction discuss the general history of fish introductions and the reasons for them, and the impact such introductions can have on local ecosystems and human populations. Aquaculture for food is perhaps the earliest driving force, but introduction for ornamental purposes, to improve wild fisheries resources, create sport fisheries, and latterly as a means of biological control, add to the list. The species accounts which follow, describe the history of each species' introduction, and the impact, if any, of the newcomers, or their associated parasites, on the indigenous fish fauna and local economies of the peoples living nearby.". "Of course, this is a story of mixed blessings. In many cases introduced populations have been of enormous benefit through their provision of vitally needed food sources. In others, the alien species have been rejected as unfit to eat or have had a disastrous effect on valuable native fish populations. As a means of biological control some have created ecological problems at least as large as those which they were introduced to solve. In every case there are lessons to learn about wise management of aquatic habitats and this book will be of interest not only to fisheries students but to ecologists and managers of all kinds."--BOOK JACKET.