The fish assemblage of a Mexican protected spring system dominated by invasive fishes

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Abstract

Springs, as sensitive freshwater ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic factors such as water extraction, pollution, and climate change. Las Estacas spring in Central Mexico, managed as a water park within a state reserve, serves as an ideal space for environmental education and conservation efforts. Snorkel surveys identified 14 fish species, with 70% being invasive and most of these come from ornamental fish. The fish assemblage was dominated by Xiphophorus helleri and Amatitlania nigrofasciata with 23% and 21% of the sample respectively, followed by two native species Poecilia sphenops and Astyanax mexicanus with 15% each aquaculture. To address this, a rewilding project is now in place, with the goal to establish a fish assemblage dominated by native species through habitat management, invasive species control, native species introduction, and education.

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