Records and possible population establishment of the non-indigenous bagrid catfish Pseudobagrus fulvidraco in Lake Kasumigaura, Ibaraki Prefecture

Abstract

Eight specimens (28.2–170.2 mm SL) of the non-indigenous bagrid catfish Pseudobagrus fulvidraco were collected from the Lake Kasumigaura system, Ibaraki Prefecture, central Japan, during December 2008 and November 2011. Three juvenile specimens of this invasive species indicated successful reproductive activity in the lake system. The species is known to have similar morphological and food habits to channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, which has also invaded Lake Kasumiguara, causing damage to the ecosystem and problems for local fisheries. The establishment and future habitat expansion of P. fulvidraco would also cause serious ecological and economic problems.