Lower lethal temperatures for nonnative freshwater fishes in Everglades National Park, Florida

North American Journal of Fisheries Management
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Abstract

Temperature is an important factor that shapes biogeography and species composition. In southern Florida, the tolerance of nonnative freshwater fishes to low temperatures is a critical factor in delineating their geographic spread. In this study, we provide empirical information on experimentally derived low-temperature tolerance limits of Banded Cichlid Heros severus and Spotfin Spiny Eel Macrognathus siamensis, two nonnative Everglades fishes that were lacking data, and African Jewelfish Hemichromis letourneuxi and Mayan Cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus, species for which previous results were derived from studies with small sample sizes. We also provide a literature review summarizing the current state of knowledge of low-temperature tolerances for all 17 nonnative freshwater fishes that have been found in Everglades National Park. Mean lower lethal temperature tolerances ranged from 4°C (Orinoco Sailfin Catfish Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) to 16.1°C (Butterfly Peacock Bass Cichla ocellaris). These low-temperature limits may inform the understanding of the ecological role or influence of nonnative fishes and may lead to potential management opportunities and applications.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Lower lethal temperatures for nonnative freshwater fishes in Everglades National Park, Florida
Series title North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI 10.1002/nafm.10068
Volume 38
Issue 3
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 706
Last page 717
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Everglades National Park
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