The Distribution of Invasive Tilapia Throughout A Tropical Man-Made Lake With Special Reference to Temengor Reservoir, Malaysia

With a surface area of 15, 200 ha, the Temengor Reservoir, in northwestern state Perak was selected among other lakes Malaysia for development large tilapia aquaculture facility 2008 due to its favourable environmental conditions. Tilapia has never been recorded at Reservoir prior establishment this facility. However, preliminary observations previous study detected species natural waters lake, strongly suggesting these were escapees from floating cages which had invaded waters. Following that, conducted assess distribution throughout Reservoir. The cultured tilapias are easily recognizable with elongated mouth and body, long caudal fin. sampling using gill nets. escaped mapped based on data current fish checklist different points occurrence (presence/absence) recorded. A comparative analysis several number three areas, according radii cage facility; <5km (S1), 5-15km (S2), >15km (S3). ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.05) Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) weight between areas. As is highly successful global invasive species, presence locations should be rigorously monitored. Complete eradication lake high urgency. We recommend intensive targeted fishing vicinity biological control by native predators preserve conserve