First Recorded Appearance of Invasive Sunfish in Belarus

On June 1, 2024, a fisherman named Yauhen Vabishchevich from Minsk, Belarus made a surprising catch in a lake in the Dytlovsky district. He caught a non-native, invasive sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), marking the first recorded appearance of this species in Belarus.

Why this matters: The appearance of the invasive sunfish in Belarus highlights the growing concern of non-native species disrupting local ecosystems. If left unchecked, this could lead to the decline of native fish populations and have significant environmental and economic implications.

Vabishchevich was both surprised and shocked by the catch, which occurred in a wild, isolated lake. The sunfish is an exotic alien species from North America that first appeared on the European continent in 1877.

The sunfish is classified as an invasive fish species in Belarus because of its ability to adapt to new living conditions and its impact on local ecosystems. It competes with native fish for food and destroys their eggs. This adaptability has allowed the sunfish to spread throughout European waters, displacing native species, including the river perch (Perca fluviatilis), from their original habitats.

Typically growing to a size of no more than 15-20 cm, the sunfish is edible but has no commercial value. It is known to consume a wide variety of food items that fit in its mouth, contributing to its invasive nature.

Similar sightings of the sunfish have been reported in Finland and Ukraine, where it has been found multiplying rapidly and displacing native species. This catch in Belarus highlights the need for monitoring and control of invasive species to protect the country's native ichthyofauna.

The appearance of the sunfish in Belarus presents a new challenge for local authorities and environmentalists. Effective measures will be required to prevent the spread of this invasive species and safeguard the native fish populations.

Key Takeaways

• First recorded invasive sunfish catch in Belarus, a non-native species.
• Sunfish competes with native fish for food, destroys eggs, and adapts easily.
• Similar sightings reported in Finland and Ukraine, displacing native species.
• Monitoring and control needed to protect Belarus' native fish populations.
• Effective measures required to prevent sunfish spread and safeguard native species.