Range expansion of the Mayan cichlid, cichlasoma urophthalmus (pisces, cichlidae), above 28°N in Florida
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Abstract
Introduced exotic species are a well-recognized problem in Florida's subtropical ecosystems. The presence of the exotic Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus) was first confirmed in Florida in 1983, when numerous individuals were found in the northeastern Florida Bay. Since then, this species has continued to expand its range northward. The capture, beginning in October 2004 to present, of large numbers of Mayan cichlids from central Florida's east- and west-coast mangrove systems north of 28°N latitude is documented here. Mayan cichlids in a wide range of sizes (estimated ages 0-7 years) at both east- and west-coast sites were collected. In addition, macroscopic examination of gonads showed the presence of developing eggs. The occurrence of multiple age-classes, maturing individuals, cichlid nests, and juveniles, plus repeated collections over a four-year period, indicates that the Mayan cichlid is successfully reproducing and surviving the average winter temperatures in some estuarine waters in central Florida.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Range expansion of the Mayan cichlid, cichlasoma urophthalmus (pisces, cichlidae), above 28°N in Florida |
| Series title | Florida Scientist |
| Volume | 71 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Florida Academy of Sciences |
| Contributing office(s) | St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 293 |
| Last page | 304 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
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