Alien fishes in lakes of the Doce river basin (Brazil): range, new occurrences and conservation of native communities

The present study shows the distribution of alien fish species in tropical lakes middle Doce river basin, southeastern Brazil, obtained from a rapid assessment program. causes for their introductions were sportfishing improvement some specific and aquaculture studied basin. Presently, these have wide occurring 41 54 studied, representing an actual threat to regional native community. natural connection among streams during rainy season dispersal mediated by local people are main invasion agents fishes. success invaders is probably due absence pre-existing effective competitors or top-predators invaded communities. We consider that eradication fishes means available management tools may be very difficult large number spectrum lake conditions resources exploited species. recommend use environmental education as tool stop human-mediated dispersion aliens improve conservation community where not yet.
 Keywords: Alien species, biological invasions, biodiversity conservation, fish, lakes.