The Introduced Butterfly Peacock (Cichla ocellaris) in Florida. I. Fish Community Analyses

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Abstract
This article summarizes fish population data collected from a southeast Florida canal following the intentional introduction of the butterfly peacock (Cichla ocellaris) by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in 1984. Seventy-two blocknet samples taken over a 10-year period yielded composite standing crop estimates of 232 kg/ha and 2748 fish/ ha for this fish community. Exotic forage species made up more than 50% by weight and number of the fishes in these samples. Spearman rank correlation coefficient analysis, 5-year standing crop estimates, and other analyses revealed no major deleterious effects attributable to the butterfly peacock, and indicate native fishes continue to exist satisfactorily with them. These and other data support the conclusion that the introduction of the butterfly peacock in Florida has been successful, and that in certain situations exotic fish introductions are a valuable fisheries management tool.

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