Range extension of an exotic African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in southern Iraq

Abbas J. Al-Faisal; Osamah A. Salih; Falah M. Mutlak; Ali T. Yaseen; Abdullah N. Abood

Authors

Abbas J. Al-Faisal Department of Marine vertebrate, Marine Science Center, University of Basrah
Osamah A. Salih Basrah Agriculture Directorate, Agriculture Ministry
Falah M. Mutlak Department of Marine vertebrate, Marine Science Center, University of Basrah
Ali T. Yaseen Department of Marine vertebrate, Marine Science Center, University of Basrah
Abdullah N. Abood Basrah Agriculture Directorate, Agriculture Ministry

Keywords:

African catfish, Alien species, southern Iraq.

Abstract

In this paper, the new occurrence of exotic African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822), is reported from the lower part of the Tigris River in Basrah City, and expands the geographic distribution of this species to southern Iraq. Two African catfish of 540-575mm total length were captured using a gill net in September 2024. The individuals of C. gariepinus are characterized by elongate body, long dorsal and anal fins, head large with four pairs of barbels around a broad mouth, a band of pigment on either side of the lower head, the posterior margin of the pectoral spine is smooth, and they have 62-64 gill rakers. The expansion raises of the African catfish concerns about the potential impacts on local biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. The presence of this exotic species could disrupt the existing ecological balance, leading to unforeseen consequences for native species and their habitats.

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