Distribution of non‐native suckermouth armoured catfish Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13561
• Publication Date: 2018-03-02T06:59:03Z
• Authors: A. B. Nobile; F. P. Lima; D. Freitas‐Souza; J. Queiroz; D. A. Z. Garcia; M. L. Orsi; A. P. Vidotto‐Mag...
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Paraná River; Geography; South America; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; Rivers; invasions; Animals; geographic spread; 14. Life underwater; Introduced Species; management; Brazil; Catfishes; biodiversity

This study describes the invasion of the upper Paraná River basin by Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii based on a literature review and field samples. Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii has been reported in 42 localities throughout the upper Paraná River basin, including the Tietê, Paranapanema, Paraná, Grande and Aguapeí rivers. The ascent of P. ambrosettii after the inundation of the Sete Quedas Falls on the Paraná River and the release of individuals by aquarium hobbyists were the primary drivers of this invasion.