| Established in some parts of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, in Alabama, Florida etc. Overfeeds on weeds thus affecting the waterfowl habitat. Introduced by the US Fish Wildlife Service Fish Farming Experimental. Station from Malaysia and by Auburn University from Taiwan (Ref. 6029). Has been reported to occur in 45 states where it competes for food with invertebrates (e.g. crayfish) and other species, causes significant changes in macrophyte, phytoplankton and invertebrate communities, interferes with the reproduction of other fishes, decreases available refugia for other fishes, and so on (Ref. 45864). A popular fish sold in live fish markets. Found in 3 out of 6 live fish markets near the Lakes Erie and Ontario (Ref. 53249). Its introduction has been proven to be more costly than beneficial as many fishes, waterfowl and other native species depend on aquatic vegetation (Ref. 86798). Also Ref. 13364.
Ref:
Rixon, C.A.M., I.C. Duggan, N.M.N. Bergeron, A. Ricciardi and H.J. Macisaac, 2005
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