Re-discovery of the invasive guppy Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859) (Poeciliidae) in Morocco

The aquarium and pet trade represents a significant vector for biological invasion, with animals escaping or being released by traders and hobbyists. This can have environmental and/or economic impacts, facilitating the spread of alien species across the globe. One of the best-known aquarium fish is the guppy Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859), a popular ornamental fish, native to America but extensively distributed globally through the aquarium trade. This invasive fish species was recorded from a single site in Morocco in 1973 and was thought to have disappeared from the wild. This study highlights the first observation of the guppy in the thermal waters of Sidi Hrazem, thus extending its range into the Sebou basin and Morocco. The aim of this paper is to update our knowledge of the guppy Poecilia reticulata in Moroccan waters by presenting a new record of this invasive species, providing insights into the impact of the ornamental animal trade on its progressive spread and improving our understanding of its ecology in the invaded areas of North Africa.