Non-Native Fish Introductions with Special Reference to Florida

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Abstract
The long-acknowledged impoverishment of the native freshwater fish fauna in peninsular Florida together with this region's tropical-subtropical climate and recent changes in water-flow patterns caused by channelization has made possible the successful establishment of many non-native fishes. More foreign species of fish have become established1 in Florida than in any other state and now include 10 cichlids, 1 poeciliid, 1 clariid, 1 loriclariid, and 1 cyprinid.2 The interconnected natural and man-made waterways of Florida provide few physical barriers to the dispersal of these fish. Collectively and/or individually, these fishes may become one of the most important factors affecting the freshwater fisheries of this state. Since it is impossible to forecast accurately the ultimate biological effects of introducing non-native fishes, purposeful introductions should be approached cautiously. In general, biologists have not understood or communicated to the general public the likely environmental eff...

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