Pumpkinseed Sunfish Lepomis gibbosus, an alien species in Ishikawa Prefecture: first Japanese record

The Pumpkinseed Sunfish Lepomis gibbosus, an alien species, was confirmed for the first time in Japan based on specimens collected from a farm pond in Ishikawa Prefecture. This species was designated as an Uncategorized Alien Species when the Act on the Prevention of Adverse Ecological Impacts Caused by Designated Invasive Alien Species came into effect in 2005. Therefore, its import is subject to regulatory restrictions in Japan. The population found in this study may have originated from a breeding group established prior to the enforcement of this legislation. Although reproduction has not yet been confirmed, the presence of a certain number of individuals suggests a high likelihood that the species has become established. Continuous monitoring is therefore necessary.