We have discussed in other threads that observing recent escapes/releases can help to track the establishment of new introductions to an area. What isn’t necessarily discussed in those threads is that identifying such observations requires more than knowing the taxa of the given region. Take, for e…

I also follow up when the distribution maps (where I expect to see Western Cape or at least South Africa) show ‘random’ obs across the world. Often with a single ID - then I tweak up the taxonomy and leave a comment.

I recall having this gorami species in my community aquarium as a kid. It was a commonly available species in my local pet stores, here in the U.S. … at least, I assume it’s the same species. Aquarium fish do end up released in a lot of places where they aren’t native and some do become established…

Expect the unexpected

General

Topic		Replies	Views
ID on some saying it was introduced newly from anthropological means Educators question	10	1066	July 12, 2021
If you can't find any research grade observations of a rare or non-native introduced species make sure to look in the "captive" section General	6	458	March 16, 2025
How can we be sure it is a new species? Nature Talk	3	149	July 24, 2025
Invasive/introduced populations that have not yet been documented on iNat Nature Talk	34	1364	January 13, 2023
Fish identifiers General	4	978	July 4, 2021

Expect the unexpected

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