Question

The Origins of the Nile
Perch in Lake Victoria By Robert. M Pringle

Please write a paragraph or more.

Why was the introduction of Nile Perch to Lake Victoria controversial?

What challenges had to be considered before such an introduction?

Answer 1

    Nile perch is predator fish which can grow in weight up to 200 kg with a length of nearly 2 m. A fish of this size requires a heavy diet for its survival and can escape easily with predators of its own size. Lake Victoria consist of diverse population of fishes which have evolved over course of time adjusting to the climate and environment of the lake with most recent evolved fish was found in 1930’s the lake stands as a home for many unknown fishes. With introduction of a large predator like Nile fish feeding on small fish’s majority of diverse small fish population was eliminated from the lake. With no competition and predator for the Nile fish, it became the only living species in the lake with no other major fish population. With loss of diverse fish species from introduction of large predator fish the introduction of Nile fish was debated as it favored only survival of one species and the extinction of other diverse fish form the lake.

     Before introduction of such fish species it ecological impacts should be considered and proper management should be rolled out to control the growth of such predators fishes.