Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/invasive-flathead-catfish-rise-to-top-predator-status-in-pennsylvanias-susquehanna-river/
In a significant ecological development, invasive flathead catfish have emerged as the top predators in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River, according to recent research highlighted by Phys.org. Originally introduced outside their native range, these formidable fish have rapidly established dominance, reshaping the river’s aquatic food web. Scientists and local conservationists are now closely monitoring the flathead catfish’s impact on native species and the broader river ecosystem, raising questions about the long-term consequences of their unexpected rise to the top of the Susquehanna’s predator hierarchy.
Invasive Flathead Catfish Disrupt Ecosystem Balance in Susquehanna River
The introduction of flathead catfish into the Susquehanna River has led to a dramatic shift in the aquatic food web, with these voracious predators now dominating as the river’s apex hunters. Their presence has caused a steep decline in native fish populations including sunfish and smallmouth bass, which once thrived in the ecosystem. The flathead catfish’s ability to consume prey up to half their own size has amplified this impact, creating cascading effects that threaten biodiversity and the delicate balance that local wildlife relies upon.
Key ecological consequences include:
- Reduction in native sportfish populations, affecting recreational fishing industries
- Altered nutrient cycling due to changes in fish community structure
- Disruption of spawning habitats through aggressive…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-09-08 11:50:00
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