Following the discovery of a number of feral pearl cichlids in the Upper Swan River Western Australia's Department of Fisheries has initiated surveys of the river to determine if the species has become established.

Pearl cichlids are a freshwater aquarium species which breeds fast and can survive in salt water and there is a fear their prolific spread could impact on native species.

An eradication program is not considered viable until further information is available on the spread and impact the cichlids have on the river system.