The invasive goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cyprinidae, Actinopterygii) is spreading in freshwater ecosystems of Morocco through aquarium trade
https://doi.org/10.35885/1684-7318-2025-3-365-373
Abstract
Biological invasions are a serious global challenge of our time, with invasive species causing significant losses of biodiversity and ecological services. The aquarium and ornamental pet trade is one of the major sources of alien species worldwide. One of the most popular aquarium fish is the goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), an ornamental fish native to East Asia that has be-come cosmopolitan due to aquarium hobbyists. This notorious invasive fish was known from only few localities in natural ecosystems of North Africa. In this paper, we provide new information on the current distribution and presence of this invasive species in Morocco, as well as we discuss the role of aquarium trade in its introduction into new freshwater ecosystems of the country.
About the Authors
S. El Caidi
University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
Morocco
Morocco
Soufyane El Caidi
Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz
30003; B.P. 1796; Fès-Atlas
A. F. Taybi
Mohammed First University
Morocco
Morocco
Abdelkhaleq Fouzi Taybi
Nador Multidisciplinary Faculty
60000; B.P. 524; Oujda
Yo. Mabrouki
University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
Morocco
Morocco
Youness Mabrouki
Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz; Biology Department; Conservation and Development of Bioresources Laboratory
30003; B.P. 1796; Fès-Atlas
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For citations:
El Caidi S., Taybi A.F., Mabrouki Y. The invasive goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cyprinidae, Actinopterygii) is spreading in freshwater ecosystems of Morocco through aquarium trade. Povolzhskiy Journal of Ecology. 2025;(3):365-373. https://doi.org/10.35885/1684-7318-2025-3-365-373
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