Fishing Pall

VietNamNet Bridge has an interesting report about fish that have invaded the Tri An Reservoir in Vietnam. Peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) and red pacu (Colossoma brachypomum), were introduced by fish breeders that kept the carnivorous fish in cages in the reservoir. Both species escaped, though the peacock bass is considered more of a threat since it is breeding quite well in the wild and the red pacu apparently does not. The article also makes reference to yet another introduction, ca lau kinh (a suckermouth catfish, likely a species of Hypostomus) that has made the Tri An Reservoir its home. While the native range of these species is listed in the article as South Africa, they are actually all native to South America.

Tip of the virtual hat to the Protect Your Waters website for posting about this story.

Cold Turtle Soup?

As reported by VNANet.com, Biologists in Viet Nam were alarmed to discover red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) last week in Hoan Kiem Lake. The turtles, native to America, join eight other turtle species in the lake - 5 of which were introduced by people. Earlier this year, the government made plans to dredge the lake, in an effort to deepen the lake and provide a larger, cleaner turtle habitat. Bonus points to the Vietnam News Agency for using the turtle's scientific name.