Aquarium species: Deadly invaders

摘要

The introduction of exotic species is, arguably, a more significant anthropogenic stressor than eutrophication or toxic chemicals (Chapman, 1995) and, along with habitat destruction, is the leading cause of extinctions and resultant biodiversity decreases worldwide. In the marine and some freshwater environments (e.g., the North American Great Lakes), ballast water (transport and discharge) is a major potential source for new species introductions, and has rightly received much attention (Ruiz et al., 2003; Mat-heickal and Raaymakers, 2004). However, an arguably more important source of species introductions into aquatic environments, and one which has received surprisingly little attention to date, is the world-wide aquarium trade.