Presence of Midas Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus Günther, 1864) (Actinopterygii : Cichlidae) on Bangka Island, Indonesia: An Invasive Non-Native Species

The Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus), a freshwater fish endemic to the San Juan River in Costa Rica, Central America, has been recorded as an invasive species present in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. Its introduction into public waters has primarily occurred through aquarium or fish farm releases. Known for its adaptability, A. citrinellus has demonstrated a remarkable ability to reproduce rapidly, leading to the formation of large populations within invaded ecosystems. The presence of this species has been recognized as disruptive to aquatic communities, where it negatively impacts native species and dominates ecosystems as an invasive entity. In this research, the expansion of A. citrinellus to Bangka Island, Indonesia, was documented, representing a new range extension. A total of ten specimens were collected from the Jembatan 12 River in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Island, and identified as A. citrinellus based on morphological characteristics described by Kullander and Hartel in 1997. This identification was made possible by examining specific diagnostic features which confirmed their classification. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the extent of the Midas cichlid’s invasion and the potential impacts on native and endemic species in the region. The continued spread of A. citrinellus poses threats to local biodiversity by altering the balance of aquatic ecosystems, often to the detriment of native fish communities. This research highlights the need for monitoring and management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of invasive species like the Midas cichlid. Insights from this study are intended to support conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem stability in regions affected by invasive species.