Impact of Oreochromis mossambicus ? O. niloticus (Pisces: Cichlidae) hybridization on population reproductive potential and long-term influence on a reservoir fishery

Abstract

Exotic cichlids, introduced to Asia during the second half of the twentieth century, contribute significantly to the reservoir fisheries in the region. The two major cichlid species, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) and O. niloticus (L.), tend to interbreed easily. In Sri Lankan reservoirs, introgressive hybridization of these two cichlids takes place. The reproductive biology of O. mossambicus, O. niloticus and their hybrids in three reservoirs in Sri Lanka was evaluated. An imbalance in sex ratio with male dominance was evident. The estimated fecundity for 20-cm fish, using fecundity-total length relationships for various populations, indicated that there was a decline in fecundity in hybrid forms. It is hypothesized that the long-term effect of crosshybridization between the two cichlids might lead to a decline in fish yields in perennial reservoirs of Sri Lanka. The importance of the findings of the present study for the management of the reservoir fisheries in Asia is highlighted.