USGS Home
SOFIA - SFRSF


HOME
Search the SFRSF site Learn about this site Upcoming events Resource Management Exhibits Science Displays
  ACME and SICS
  Historical Settings
  Hydrology
Invasive Exotic Species

  Landscape Synthesis and Ecological Modeling
  Mercury
  Nutrients
  Our Coastal Ecosystems
  Sustainable Agriculture
  Wildlife and Wetland Ecology
Presentations and Discussions Technology Briefings May 1999 Forum


SOFIA Home

Last updated: June 11, 2007
South Florida Restoration Science Forum

Invasive Exotic Species

What controls invasive animals?

Poster presented May 1999, at the South Florida Restoration Science Forum

Nonindigenous Fishes of Florida

With a Focus on South Florida


Pam L. Fuller & Leo G. Nico - USGS/BRD, Florida Caribbean Science Center, Gainesville, FL

Map depicting the number of introduced fish species in each of the Florida's drainages This map depicts the number of introduced fish species* in each of the Florida's drainages (at a USGS 6-digit HUC level). Areas with high numbers of introduced species are also areas with high human population, habitat disturbance, and presence of tropical fish farms. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Map depicting a national perspective of introduced fishes A national perspective of introduced fishes

Florida is second only to California in the number of nonindigenous fish species reported* from its waters. Many of the introductions are aquarium species grown in the tropical fish farms or released by owners. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Map depicting introduced fishes by major drainage basins of the United States Major drainage basins of the United States

The Southeast has, by far, the most fish species introduced*. The high number is largely attributed to the introductions in South Florida. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Map depicting a United States perspective of introduced fishes by drainages U.S. perspective by drainages

The South Florida drainage ranks as one of the highest in the country in the number of fish species introduced*. It ranks third, behind the Upper Tennessee (TN, NC) and Kanawha (WV) drainages. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

* data represent all species ever collected, including historical reports and species that failed to become established.

Origin of introduced fish species

Florida has a much higher percentage of foreign species introduced* mainly because of the tropical fish farm industry that raises foreign fish species and because of the tropical climate that allows these species to survive. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

U.S.

Pie chart indicating percentages of introduced U.S. native and foreign fish species in the United States

Florida

Pie chart indicating percentages of introduced U.S. native and foreign fish species in Florida

Methods of Introduction

Florida has a much higher percentage of introductions* attributable to either aquarium releases or tropical fish farm escapes. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

U.S.

Pie chart indicating percentages and methods of introductions in the United States

Florida

Pie chart indicating percentages and methods of introductions in Florida

Graphs showing temporal trends of introduced fish species in Florida compared to the US
Temporal Trends Compared to the U.S.

Florida follows the national trend of a drastic increase in the numbers of introduced fish species in recent years. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Graph showing temporal trends of introduced fish species in Florida through the decades
Florida through the decades

The number of introduced species in Florida has steadily increased each decade. (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Photo of orinoco sailfin catfish Orinoco Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplicththys multiradiatus)

This South American armored catfish has been established in southeastern Florida since about 1971. Its presence is most likely the result of escapes or releases from fish farms. (Photo by Leo G. Nico) (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

This South American cichlid has been established in Florida waters since the late 1950s, the result of a Dade County fish farm release. In South Florida, this predator is commonly taken by anglers. (Photo copyright by Richard Bryant) (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Photo of oscar

Photo of brown hoplo catfish Brown Hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale)

This South American catfish has been established in peninsular Florida since the mid-1990s, source of introduction is unknown. It has recently invaded the Kissimmee River drainage and will likely spread into southern Florida within the next decade. (Photo by Howard Jelks) (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Pike killifish (Belonesox belizanus)

Native to Middle America, this species was introduced into South Florida in 1957 when individuals reared for medical research purposes were released into a local canal. It is now firmly established. (Photo by Leo G. Nico) (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Photo of pike killifish

Photo of spotted tilapia Spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae)

This African cichlid was introduced into Florida as a result of escapes or releases from fish farms in Dade County, probably during the early 1970s. It is now one of the most abundant species in many South Florida canals. (Photo by Noel Burkhead) (Click on image for full-sized version.)

Related Links


 

Back Back to the Invasive Exotic Species page


U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal Geology
This page is: http://sofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/species/invasive/focus/index.html
Comments and suggestions? Contact: Heather Henkel - Webmaster
Last updated: 11 June, 2007 @ 11:28 AM (TJE)