Lin, Yen-TingYen-TingLinLin, Yu-HsiangYu-HsiangLinHou, Jhao-CianJhao-CianHouYang, Hong-YuHong-YuYangYU-SAN HAN2025-10-032025-10-032025-09-10https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105015559549&origin=resultslisthttps://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/732607This study documents the first and northernmost confirmed invasion of the redhead cichlid, Vieja melanurus (Günther, 1862), in East Asia. A total of 18 specimens were collected from the Jingmei River in Taipei City, northern Taiwan (24°59′12.8″N, 121°33′09.6″E), on June 11, 2025. Species identification was verified through both morphological and molecular analyses. The presence of multiple size classes (150–250 mm total length) and individuals with fully ripe mature gonads indicates the establishment of a reproducing feral population in northern Taiwan. These findings highlight a significant range expansion of V. melanurus beyond its previously known invasive range in Hong Kong and underscore the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and management of invasive ornamental fish species in the freshwater ecosystems.enCichlidaeInvasive speciesNeobiotaOrnamental fishWild population[SDGs]SDG15journal article10.1007/s10530-025-03669-3