A New Record of the North African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Al-Dalmaj Wetland Southern Iraq, Including Local Ecological Analyses

Abstract

This paper reports the first official record of the invasive North African Catfish,  (Burchell, 1822), in the Al-Dalmaj Wetland, a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) located in southern Iraq. Specimen of this alien have been collected during routine biodiversity monitoring from different locations in Al-Dalmaj wetlands. Morphometric and meristic characters confirmed the species identity, notably its long dorsal fin, lack of an adipose fin, and the four pairs of barbels. Given its generalist diet, flexible respiration system, and high tolerance for extreme environmental conditions, the establishment of C. gariepinus poses a severe threat to the native ichthyofauna of this key wetland, being holding the highest population of the vulnerable native Bunni (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi). We discussed the ecological atmosphere for this species in Al-Dalmaj wetlands along with the potential introduction pathways, primarily escape from aquaculture and dispersal via the Main Outfall Drain (MOD), and highlighted the urgent need for adopting effective management strategies regarding this potential aquatic invasive species.