First Record of the invasive Banded jewel cichlid Hemichromis elongatus (Guichenot, 1861) (Teleostei: Cichlidae) on Bangka Island, Indonesia

Abstract The introduction of non-native species into an ecosystem has been found to have a notable detrimental effect on the environment. Hemichromis elongatus , in particular, is recognized as one of the more problematic invasive species. In fact, Hemichromis elongatus introductions are linked to human activities, primarily associated with the aquarium trade. This study examines the presence of Hemichromis elongatus on Bangka Island, where it was inadvertently introduced into the aquatic environment by the indigenous population. During the field trip that we undertook between the months of August and September 2023, in the Jebus River, West Bangka Regency, we discovered at least one hundred live specimens of Hemichromis elongatus in a single round of sampling using the fish trap. This is a significant number that represents a significant level of invasion. However, invasive alien species are most harmful to freshwater ecosystems, which are prone to biodiversity loss. Due to this fact, it is strongly advised that the foreign fish and the effect they have on the ecology be continuously monitored.