| Introduced in the early 19th century (Ref. 13364). Reintroduced after 1865 (Ref. 13364) and 1916 (Ref. 1739). Culture of this species was unsuccessful because of its slow growth. Due to its nest building habit, the rate of survival of its progeny is high. Known to control aquatic weeds to some extent. Established in Tamil Nadu (Vooren, 1968). Recorded from the Chalakudy river, part of the Western Ghats, Kerala (Ref. 79567). Although, the species has not been considered as a pest in many of the areas where they were
introduced, its co-occurrence with a popular native ornamental species, Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Cuvier 1831) would lead to competition for habitat and food (Ref. 79567). The species has been successfully cultured in India at an elevation of 720 m. above m.s.l. and it is admirably suited for cultivation in small ponds.
Ref:
Shetty, H.P.C., M.C. Nandeesha and A.G. Jhingran, 1989
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