A wild-caught rosy barb Pethia conchonius in a British urban pond underscores the need to prevent aquarium releases.

Abstract

A specimen of rosy barb Pethia conchonius of 51 mm standard length, encountered in an urban pond in London, is reported. This small cyprinid is native to lakes and streams in subtropical regions of southern Asia and is commonly sold as an ornamental fish. An invasiveness risk screening indicated that it is currently unlikely to establish in the United Kingdom due to limiting temperatures but highlights the increased risk of subtropical fishes establishing under climate change. This occurrence once again demonstrates the potential impacts of aquarium releases into urban ponds.