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The global invasion: Distribution, invasion mechanisms, and ecological impacts of the Eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)
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Fatemeh Zare   , Hamid Reza Esmaeili * , Ali Gholamhosseini , Rasool Khosravi |
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Abstract: (12 Views) |
Biological invasion refers to the introduction of non-native (alien) species into new geographical regions, where they establish self-sustaining populations and subsequently expand their distributional range. Such species can impose significant environmental, economic, and public health impacts on host ecosystems. Human activities have greatly accelerated the rate of biological invasions. The Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) is recognized as one of the most widespread invasive freshwater fish species globally, having established stable reproductive populations across six continents. Its remarkable tolerance to highly variable environmental conditions has facilitated its expansion and persistence in both degraded and newly colonized ecosystems. Given the considerable negative impacts of this species on aquatic environments, providing accurate and up-to-date information on its current distribution and assessing the prevailing environmental conditions in these regions can help identify similarly vulnerable habitats and guide policymakers in developing effective preventive and management strategies. In the present study, which aims to illustrate spatial distribution patterns through preliminary descriptive and visual analyses, the most recent data on the global distribution and climatic characteristics of Gambusia holbrooki were evaluated. The results show that the highest concentrations of this species occur in western and southwestern Europe—characterized by Mediterranean climates and mild winters as well as in eastern and southeastern Australia, which experience warm and subtropical climates. The extensive distribution of Gambusia holbrooki, combined with its biological traits, underscores its high invasive potential in new habitats. This finding highlights the importance of coordinated local, national, and regional management efforts for invasive species and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures.
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| Keywords: Biological Invasion, Anthropogenic Activities, Biodiversity, Conservation, Aquatic Ecosystems |
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Full-Text [PDF 692 kb]
(5 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/8 | Accepted: 2025/12/31 | Published: 2025/12/31
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