Evaluating Importation of Aquatic Ornamental Species for Biosecurity Purposes

The aquatic ornamental species (AOS) trade is a significant pathway for the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous into environments. likelihood such occurrences expected to increase worldwide as industry growth continues warmer conditions emerge under future climate scenarios. This study used recent (2015 – 2019) New Zealand importation data determine composition, diversity, abundance, arrival frequency AOS. Our analysis revealed that ca. 300,000 individuals are imported annually Zealand, with freshwater fish comprising 98% import quantities. Despite relatively small market size, estimated AOS diversity 865 taxa (89 9.5% identified genus level, respectively) comparable larger markets ∼60% being marine origin. Species ( n = 20) further investigation were prioritized based on quantity import. These exclusively tropical subtropical align most frequently globally, including top three: neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi ), guppy Poecilia reticulata tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona ). distribution modeling 20 predicted 13 suitable Zealand’s current conditions, notably sucker-belly loach Pseudogastromyzon myersi white cloud mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes golden otocinclus Macrotocinclus affinis Potential changes in habitat suitability scenarios, largest increases (29%) Po. . described approach provides an adaptable framework assess inform regulatory decision making.