Scientists warn against releasing invasive fish species after specimens found in Japan waters

Scientists warn against releasing invasive fish species after specimens found in Japan waters

Source: mainichi

8/16/2024

Scientists warn against releasing invasive fish species after specimens found in Japan waters

An invasive species of artificially bred ornamental fish has been found in natural waters within western Japan's Shiga Prefecture for the first time, a Japanese research team recently announced.

These genetically modified fish are considered a "third type of invasive species," following foreign and domestic invasive species, and pose a significant threat to the genetic integrity of native fish. A joint research group from Lake Biwa Museum and the Ryukoku University Center for Biodiversity Science is urging people not to release ornamental rice fish into natural water bodies.