Exotic fishes of Florida — 1994

Twenty‐three exotic fishes are reproducing in the freshwater lakes, rivers, and canals of Florida; 18 are established (i.e., have permanent populations), and 5 are possibly established (i.e., reproducing but permanence is questionable). Ten exotic fishes previously reported as reproducing have been eliminated by fisheries managers, habitat alteration, or natural causes, and 42 additional species have been collected without evidence of reproduction. Since 1986, three species have been added to the list of reproducing exotic fishes; two of these, the jaguar guapote (Cichlasoma managuense) and butterfly peacock (Cichla ocellaris), are established, and the yellowbelly cichlid (Cichlasoma salvint) is possibly established. In addition to providing a listing of exotic fishes collected in Florida waters, this article presents (1) the first published report on the establishment of the jaguar guapote and establishment history of the sailfin catfish (Liposarcus multiradiatus), along ‘with the first collections of severums (Heros severus), and (2) a summary of the origin, status, maximum size, and anticipated range changes of all established or possibly established exotic fishes. The only authorized introduction of an established exotic fish in Florida fresh waters has been the butterfly peacock (Cichla ocellaris); this piscivore is now an important urban sportfish in southeast Florida, where it feeds primarily on the exotic spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae).