Distribution and Trophic Pattern of Non-Native Fish Species Across the Liao River Basin in China

Controlling the invasion of non-native fish species necessitates a complete understanding of the distribution of these species and the key factors that influence such distribution. In order to research the situation of non-native fish and the relevant influencing factors in the Liao River Basin, we investigated and analyzed the characteristics of the distribution and the trophic levels of non-native fish species, as well their response to different types of factors in the basin. Nine non-native fish species were found during the investigation, and the trophic levels of these species ranged between 2.00 and 3.84. The results of generalized linear models indicate that the distribution of non-native fish species in the basin is mainly related to anthropogenic activities, socioeconomic development, and climate. The southeastern part of the Liao River Basin is conducive to the distribution of non-native fish species. Furthermore, on a spatial scale, we also found that the mean trophic level of non-native fish species was not correlated with anthropogenic activities and socioeconomic development in the Liao River Basin. By providing evidence for the links between non-native fishes and different types of factors, our study contributes to increasing the relevant references for and experiences in the early detection and management of non-native fishes on a basin scale.