The pearl cichlid, an introduced aquarium fish, is poised to cause havoc in local waterways and the community’s help is needed to help curb its spread.
Pearl cichlids (Geophagus brasiliensis) are a popular aquarium fish from coastal rivers of Brazil and Uraguay. They are prolific breeders and can flourish in a range of habitats including fresh and salty water, river pools, ponds, swamps and moving waters.
The first pearl cichlid is thought to have been introduced to the Swan Canning Riverpark by a member of the public discarding unwanted aquarium fish. They were first discovered in March 2006 when several fish were caught in Bennett Brook, a tributary of the Swan River.
Since then, the Department of Fisheries has tracked their distribution and for a few years attempted to control them with netting and rotenone (a fish poison) application. Despite these efforts, pearl cichlids were reported by a member of the public in the upper Swan River in early 2009. Since then, the Department of Fisheries has undertaken a survey of the area from where they were reported, but none were recorded.
The introduction of non-native, exotic fish species into waterways is a major cause of native extinction and global species decline. Invasive species are now identified as the greatest threat to Australia’s biodiversity after habitat loss.
Pearl cichlids have the potential to spread widely in the Riverpark. Their impact could include the loss of populations of native fish species and waterway damage. The pearl cichlid is a mud-eater and can cause significant sediment disturbance, which can negatively impact small animals living in the sediment, destroy aquatic vegetation and mobilise nutrients and contaminants from the sediment into the water column. Its diet is largely insects when it is small, however as it grows it increasingly preys on other fish. It is also highly territorial.
What can you do?
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Report the presence of freshwater pest species such as the pearl cichlid to the Department of Fisheries using the FISHWATCH service on 1800 815 507. This helps track infestation and control the problem.
2. Never release introduced species into our rivers, waterways or dams. The Perth Cichlid Society will take care of any unwanted cichlids. They have drop-off points at:
- Aquatix
- Malaga Aquariums
- Midland Pet and Aquarium
- Morley Aquariums
- Pet Arcade
- Pet Professionals Wanneroo
- Vebas Aquariums
3. Contact Tony Corr, Volunteer Species Maintenance Officer on 0401 990 366.
4. Design or locate aquaria and ornamental ponds so your fish can not escape.
5. Educate those around you about the negative impacts of dumping aquarium fish in our waterways.
The Swan River Trust encourages the public to report damage to the Swan Canning Riverpark and foreshores by contacting the Trust on (08) 9278 0900 during office hours or 0419 192 845 after hours.