PlecoInvasion.org

Invasion Information

Loricariids-otherwise known as plecos--are naturally found in tropical South America, Panama, and Costa Rica. However, their range is increasing due to accidental and intentional human introductions throughout the world. Loricariids are frequently released into freshwater bodies in the U.S. and throughout the world by natural resource managers to remove algae and control aquatic plants. Yet, their effectiveness in controlling algal and plant growth in natural systems is undocumented. Plecos are also common in the aquarium trade. When loricariids grow too large or aggressive for their aquarium, many pet owners will release their fish into bodies of freshwater near their homes. These introductions have led to many environmental problems. Loricariids have been have been collected in several states in the U.S. and in Canada and Mexico. Populations of these fishes have also been recorded in Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. But many of these invasions have not been officially documented by scientists or natural resource managers.

Information is freely available for research and educational purposes only. All photographs are copyright of their respective owners. Please contact plecoinvasion.org@gmail.com with questions about site content. The loricariid illustration was created by Tom Vigliotta.

Although the introduction of loricariids is common, scientists and natural resource managers do not understand the full extent of the ecological effects of these introductions. That is why we need the help of fishermen and other people who love to visit rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs throughout the world. If you have information regarding an introduction, please visit the contact page.

Armored catfishes have several life history traits that make them successful invaders. They are medium to large armored fishes with broad environmental tolerances. Additionally, many species of armored catfishes provide parental care through nest-building and egg-guarding and have the ability to breathe air! Scientists and natural resource managers are currently trying to understand what these fishes do to the ecosystems they invade and how plecos affect other fishes and aquatic organisms in the systems they invade.

In addition to the ecological impacts, the socioeconomic consequences of armored catfish invasion can be severe. In Mexico, loricariid invasion has been linked to reduced water quality and the collapse of large freshwater fisheries. For example, the Infiernillo Reservoir tilapia fishery in southern Mexico supported 46,000 people through fishing and processing jobs. After loricariids entered the reservoir, the fishery experienced a 70-80% reduction in tilapia production. Subsequently, unemployment rose and led to the emigration of young men and women from affected communities (see Mendoza et al. for more information: http://www.conabio.gob.mx/otros/biodiversitas/doctos/pdf/biodiv70.pdf)

In their invaded habitats, loricariids obtain new common names. In Mexico, they are known as the devil fish (el pez diablo) and in the Philippines, loricariids are known as the janitor fish.

Some of the information on this page was taken from the following source:
Mendoza, R., S. Contreras, C. Ramirez, P. Koleff, P. Alvarez, and V. Aguilar. 2007. Los peces diablo. Biodiversitas 70:1-5.

We are trying to collect more information about the pleco invasion throughout the world! If you have documented plecos in a new invasion site (outside of Amazonian South America, Costa Rica or Panama), we would love to know about it!

Please send your information to plecoinvasion.org@gmail.com.  If possible, send your contact information, photos, a description of the site, and the GPS coordinates of the invasion site or fill out the following form:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cl82UDlZel82OWV4THBEc3pXcGxDa3c6MA..

 

If you  would like to report a new invasion location, please  fill out this form!
¡Si quiere reportar  una  invasiόn nueva, favor contesta estas preguntas!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cl82UDlZel82OWV4THBEc3pXcGxDa3c6MA..