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<p>Freshwater systems in Taiwan are increasingly threatened by the invasion of Cichlidae species. The Rio Grande cichlid, <i>Herichthys cyanoguttatus</i> Baird &amp; Girard, 1854, is a globally traded ornamental species that has established invasive populations in several waters of the United States, where it negatively affects native fish communities. However, no invasive population of any <i>Herichthys</i> species has previously been confirmed outside the Neotropics. Here, we report the first established population of the Rio Grande cichlid in Taiwan, representing the first known case of a <i>Herichthys</i> species becoming feral beyond the Neotropics and into East Asia. Species identity was verified using both morphological characteristics and <i>COI</i> DNA barcoding. The presence of individuals across multiple size classes, including adults with mature gonads, the observation of juveniles represented the establishment of a self-sustaining wild breeding population. Field observations also documented aggressive interactions between the Rio Grande cichlid and native endemic Taiwanese freshwater species, indicating potential ecological risks to local fish communities. This first confirmed establishment highlights the growing threat posed by escaped ornamental fishes as a major introduction pathway and underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and impact assessment, particularly given the unprecedented expansion of this Neotropical species to East Asia. More extensive and long-term surveys will be necessary to conclusively evaluate the invasion status of this species in Taiwan.</p>

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From the neotropics to East Asia: first population of the Rio Grande cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) reported in Taiwan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月16日

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  • Yu-Hsiang Lin,
  • Jhao-Cian Hou,
  • Yu-San Han,
  • Yen-Ting Lin

摘要

Freshwater systems in Taiwan are increasingly threatened by the invasion of Cichlidae species. The Rio Grande cichlid, Herichthys cyanoguttatus Baird & Girard, 1854, is a globally traded ornamental species that has established invasive populations in several waters of the United States, where it negatively affects native fish communities. However, no invasive population of any Herichthys species has previously been confirmed outside the Neotropics. Here, we report the first established population of the Rio Grande cichlid in Taiwan, representing the first known case of a Herichthys species becoming feral beyond the Neotropics and into East Asia. Species identity was verified using both morphological characteristics and COI DNA barcoding. The presence of individuals across multiple size classes, including adults with mature gonads, the observation of juveniles represented the establishment of a self-sustaining wild breeding population. Field observations also documented aggressive interactions between the Rio Grande cichlid and native endemic Taiwanese freshwater species, indicating potential ecological risks to local fish communities. This first confirmed establishment highlights the growing threat posed by escaped ornamental fishes as a major introduction pathway and underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and impact assessment, particularly given the unprecedented expansion of this Neotropical species to East Asia. More extensive and long-term surveys will be necessary to conclusively evaluate the invasion status of this species in Taiwan.