We compared the life-history traits of native and invasive fish species from Catalan streams in order to
identify the characters of successful invasive fish species. Most of the exotic fish species were characterized
by large size, long longevity, late maturity, high fecundity, few spawnings per year, and short reproductive
span, whereas Iberian native species exhibited predominantly the opposite suite of traits. Species
native to the southeastern Pyrenees watershed were also significantly different from species native to the
rest of the Iberian Peninsula but not native to this watershed. Iberian exotic species come predominantly
from large river basins, whereas Catalan streams (and other small, coastal river basins) correspond to
basins and streams of a smaller size and different hydrology, with differences in species composition and
life-history traits of fish. The occurrence and spread of invasive species was not significantly related to
life-history traits but to introduction date. The successful prediction of future invasive species is limited
due to small differences in life-history and ecological traits between native and exotic species. Fecundity,
age at maturity, water quality flexibility, tolerance to pollution and habitat seem the most discriminating
life-history variables
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