Fırat Havzası (Türkiye)’nda Yerleşmiş Yabancı Tür Xiphophorus hellerii’nin Üremesi

Abstract

Reproduction of Established Non-native Xiphophorus hellerii in the Euphrates Drainage, Türkiye

Abstract

The green swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) is a live-bearing poeciliid and a widely traded ornamental fish species. Although native to North and Central America, feral populations have been reported in many countries. In Türkiye, the first established population was recorded in 2021 in a thermal spring near the upper Euphrates Drainage. This study investigated the establishment and reproductive potential of this feral population. A total of 551 individuals (374 females, 177 males) were collected during seasonal surveys in May 2024 and February 2025. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.11, indicating female dominance. Female standard lengths ranged from 13.45 to 57.51 mm, and males from 25.54 to 58.10 mm. The smallest reproductive female and male measured 26.04 mm and 25.54 mm, respectively. Gravid females were observed in all seasonal samples, with mean fecundity peaking in summer (43.9 ± 21.2). These findings suggest high reproductive potential and successful establishment of the population. Given the risk of range expansion, continued ecological monitoring is recommended to support effective management strategies.

Keywords

• Aquarium fish trade
• Exotic species
• Poeciliidae
• Green Swordtail

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