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Non-native Fish

Find out more about non-native fish species that are a significant threat to biodiversity.

  • Bitterling (PDF, 123KB)
    Non-Native fish widely distributed throughout the centre of Europe, now found in Cheshire and spreading east through the canal system.

  • Brown goldfish (PDF, 110KB)
    An Asian species, populations are now present across England and Wales

  • Pumpkinseed (PDF, 128KB)
    Non-native fish from N. America, now established populations in rivers and lakes in southern England.

  • Sterlet & Sturgeon (PDF, 184KB)
    Present in some fisheries, however, it is illegal to keep them in a stillwater fishery and requires an ILFA licence.

  • Sunbleak (PDF, 103KB)
    Native to continental Europe, present in rivers and lakes. Found throughout Somerset, Hampshire and also in Dorset. Distribution thought to be increasing.

  • Topmouth gudgeon (PDF, 116KB)
    An species from Asia that is now invading waters across England and Wales.

  • Wels Catfish (PDF, 116KB)
    Native to Central and Eastern Europe, the species has been introduced into a number of European countries, including England and Wales, where it is mainly present in lakes.

  • Zander (PDF, 122KB)
    Introduced into the UK in 1878, now widespread in East Anglia and the Midlands, in rivers, canals and lakes. Some populations in Southern England.