The History, Status and Identification of Cichlid Fishes in the Southern United States

Abstract

Members of the family Cichlidae are native to Africa, Asia, and South America, with the exception of the Rio Grande Perch (Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum) which is native to South Texas. Several species of cichlids have been introduced into the United States, primarily for aquatic weed control (Courtenay and Robins 1973). The locations of introduced cichlid populations and the purpose for this introduction were investigated through a literature review and comprehensive survey. Specimens from 26 locations, including 10 species of cichlids, were examined to provide information for the construction of a key to those species. Both standard statistics and multivariate statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Several groups of samples can be separated from each other using the SAS MANOVA and NT-SYS programs. It is believed that some of the specimens examined were misidentified. Comparison of the data obtained in this study with descriptions of the type specimens should prove useful in their positive identification. Control methods available for introduced cichlid populations are discussed, and a tentative key to the species examined is offered.