Non-native fishes in Florida freshwaters: a literature review and synthesis

Pamela J. Schofield; William F. Loftus

doi:10.1007/s11160-014-9373-7

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Non-native fishes in Florida freshwaters: a literature review and synthesis

Pamela J. Schofield·William F. Loftus

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Abstract

Non-native fishes have been known from freshwater ecosystems of Florida since the 1950s, and dozens of species have established self-sustaining populations. Nonetheless, no synthesis of data collected on those species in Florida has been published until now. We searched the literature for peer-reviewed publications reporting original data for 42 species of non-native fishes in Florida that are currently established, were established in the past, or are sustained by human intervention. Since the 1950s, the number of non-native fish species increased steadily at a rate of roughly six new species per decade. Studies documented (in decreasing abundance): geographic location/range expansion, life- and natural-history characteristics (e.g., diet, habitat use), ecophysiology, community composition, population structure, behaviour, aquatic-plant management, and fisheries/aquaculture. Although there is a great deal of taxonomic uncertainty and confusion associated with many taxa, very few studies focused on clarifying taxonomic ambiguities of non-native fishes in the State. Most studies were descriptive; only 15 % were manipulative. Risk assessments, population-control studies and evaluations of effects of non-native fishes were rare topics for research, although they are highly valued by natural-resource managers. Though some authors equated lack of data with lack of effects, research is needed to confirm or deny conclusions. Much more is known regarding the effects of lionfish ( Pterois spp.) on native fauna, despite its much shorter establishment time. Natural-resource managers need biological and ecological information to make policy decisions regarding non-native fishes. Given the near-absence of empirical data on effects of Florida non-native fishes, and the lengthy time-frames usually needed to collect such information, we provide suggestions for data collection in a manner that may be useful in the evaluation and prediction of non-native fish effects.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 24.256981315882488° to 31.024694128525137° latitude; -87.6708984375° to -79.969482421875° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Pamela J. Schofield, William F. Loftus. 2014-10-24. Non-native fishes in Florida freshwaters: a literature review and synthesis. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-014-9373-7

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