Northern weatherfish
Misgurnus bipartitus
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Photo credit: EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network © Jelger Herder / RAVON
Misgurnus bipartitus – Northern weatherfish
Description:
Habitat:
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
How could it get here?
Prevent Spread
Current legislative position (Entry into force: 07 August 2025): This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk
Misgurnus bipartitus – Northern weatherfish
Description:
- A slender, eel‑like benthic freshwater fish similar in appearance to other weatherfish
- Elongated body and barbels around the mouth typical of the genus Misgurnus
- Typically, brown to olive‑brown, with mottled or marbled patterning depending on locality and habitat conditions
- Subterminal mouth adapted for bottom‑feeding
Habitat:
- Occupies lowland freshwater habitats such as slow‑flowing streams, ditches, wetlands, floodplain waters, and shallow ponds
- Frequently found in areas with soft substrates (mud, silt) where it can burrow to avoid drought or cold periods
- Thrives in wetland systems with abundant aquatic vegetation, providing cover and feeding opportunities, especially where nutrient levels are high
- Often detected in stagnant or weakly flowing waters, similar to native European weatherfish habitats
Origin and Distribution:
- Native to East Asia including regions of China and adjacent area
- Verified occurrences in Austria, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands
Impacts:
- Represents a major threat to the native European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) through competition for habitat and food
- Rapid spread and high abundance can lead to competitive exclusion of native wetland fish species, especially in sensitive marsh systems
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is not currently present in Northern Ireland
How could it get here?
- International spread linked to aquarium and ornamental pond trade, where Asian weatherfish are frequently sold and misidentified under different names
- Escapes from aquaculture facilities and unintentional releases associated with the pet trade
- Potential introductions via live bait or spillover from fish farm systems, similar to Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Prevent Spread
- Prevention via enforcing the IAS (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) ensuring that Misgurnus bipartitus is not introduced to Northern Ireland
- Reporting any sightings so that Rapid Response can be instigated
- Properly disposing of unwanted aquarium contents
- You can help by reporting any sightings:@ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Current legislative position (Entry into force: 07 August 2025): This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.
For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk