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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-non-native-fish-in-spore-waterways
More non-native fish in Singapore waterways
File photo of The Sunset Bridge, which connects the two sides of Rochor Canal. PHOTO: ST FILE
Published
9 hours ago
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While yet to gain foothold in forest streams in nature reserves, they're a threat to local wildlife: Experts
Jose Hong
More foreign fish are appearing in Singapore's waterways, with experts and conservationists warning that they pose a threat to local wildlife.
A recent viral video showed two boys fishing at Merlion Park, catching a peacock bass - a species native to South America - highlighting a problem which is believed to be widespread.
National Parks Board's (NParks) National Biodiversity Centre group director Lim Liang Jim said: "Based on our observations and other published records, the number of non-native species in urban canals and reservoirs has increased over the years.
"However, we have not observed any non-native species establishing themselves in the forest streams in our nature reserves so far."
Nature guide Ivan Kwan believes that some foreign fish can adapt easily to Singapore's environment and even thrive here, often having been abandoned as pets.
Species like the motoro stingray, redtail catfish and alligator gar can grow too big for aquarium fanatics to handle.
"Some (foreign species) like guppies, and tilapia, can tolerate levels of pollution that would wipe out more sensitive species," he said.
NParks' Mr Lim said: "We urge the public to refrain from releasing animals, that have been bred and kept in captivity, into our parks and nature reserves as they will disrupt the ecological balance of our natural habitats by competing with our native species for resources.
More non-native fish in Singapore waterways
File photo of The Sunset Bridge, which connects the two sides of Rochor Canal. PHOTO: ST FILE
Published
9 hours ago
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email
While yet to gain foothold in forest streams in nature reserves, they're a threat to local wildlife: Experts
Jose Hong
More foreign fish are appearing in Singapore's waterways, with experts and conservationists warning that they pose a threat to local wildlife.
A recent viral video showed two boys fishing at Merlion Park, catching a peacock bass - a species native to South America - highlighting a problem which is believed to be widespread.
National Parks Board's (NParks) National Biodiversity Centre group director Lim Liang Jim said: "Based on our observations and other published records, the number of non-native species in urban canals and reservoirs has increased over the years.
"However, we have not observed any non-native species establishing themselves in the forest streams in our nature reserves so far."
Nature guide Ivan Kwan believes that some foreign fish can adapt easily to Singapore's environment and even thrive here, often having been abandoned as pets.
Species like the motoro stingray, redtail catfish and alligator gar can grow too big for aquarium fanatics to handle.
"Some (foreign species) like guppies, and tilapia, can tolerate levels of pollution that would wipe out more sensitive species," he said.
NParks' Mr Lim said: "We urge the public to refrain from releasing animals, that have been bred and kept in captivity, into our parks and nature reserves as they will disrupt the ecological balance of our natural habitats by competing with our native species for resources.
