In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Nile perch were introduced into Lake Victoria to improve fisheries; decades later the predator was linked to the loss of many native cichlids and transformation of the lake’s fishery

• Nile PerchPhoto: WikipediaIn the late 1950s and early 1960s, Nile perch were introduced into Lake Victoria with the hope that the large predatory fish would strengthen local fisheries.
• The decision was intended to create new commercial opportunities and increase the supply of valuable fish.
• Instead, the species spread through one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems and became linked to a dramatic decline in native fish.