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Pet or Pest? Public Perception on Invasive Alien Fish in Malaysia

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  • Lavanya Malini Vythalingam

    (Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Lab (AGAGEL), Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Institute of Graduate Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Maivizhi Rajendram

    (Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Lab (AGAGEL), Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Vishalache Balakrishnan

    (Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • M.A. Motalib Hossain

    (Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Institute of Graduate Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Viviana Syra Theraviam

    (Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Lab (AGAGEL), Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Subha Bhassu

    (Animal Genetics and Genome Evolutionary Lab (AGAGEL), Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Abstract

Understanding public views on invasive ornamental fish in Malaysia will provide authorities with the tools needed to plan eradication or control protocols that account for stakeholder concerns. This study surveyed 200 respondents to investigate the perception levels of Malaysians towards invasive ornamental fish versus local fish and examine the community’s role as a vector of introducing alien species into natural ecosystems. This study comprised of four sections examining socio-demography, fish ownership habits, awareness of fish handling practises, and human wellbeing when keeping fish. Based on this survey, there was a bias exhibited by the public that treated invasive fish better than local fish in terms of pet care (changing water and feeding frequency), the type of pet chosen (invasive or local), pet perception, and attachment towards their pet (naming, way to get rid of fish). Significant relationships were observed between the type of fish and where it was obtained, between gender and type of fish obtained, gender and naming their fish, gender and fish upkeep and lastly gender and ways to rid of fish (p

Suggested Citation

  • Lavanya Malini Vythalingam & Maivizhi Rajendram & Vishalache Balakrishnan & M.A. Motalib Hossain & Viviana Syra Theraviam & Subha Bhassu, 2025. "Pet or Pest? Public Perception on Invasive Alien Fish in Malaysia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(8), pages 514-530, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-8:p:514-530
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