Red-eared terrapin

Photo by Abigayle Ng


Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Habitat: Freshwater (e.g. ponds and reservoirs)
Ecology: A very successful generalist. It is an opportunistic feeder, and diet is not restricted to plants, as previously known. Can be found inhabiting various freshwater habitats.
Origin: North America, introduced in the 1980s for the pet trade
Native equivalents: Malayan box terrapin and black marsh terrapin

Tilapia

Length: 8cm
Aquarium specimen
Photo by P.K.L. Ng

Scientific name: Oreochromis mossambicus
Habitat: Brackish water (e.g. canals and estuaries)
Ecology: Mainly an algal and detrital feeder occuring in groups. Breeding males are territorial and construct circular depressions on muddy substrate as nests for courtship and spawning. To about 40cm.
Origin: Africa, introduced in the 1940s for human consumption