Puerto Rico Cichlids?
- Thread starter fishaddict
- Start date
Puerto Rico has no native freshwater fish species at all. Any cichlids (eg: tilapia, Cichla, etc.) have been either intentionally (sportfish stocking) or accidentally (release) introduced.
The first fish descriptions from Puerto Rico were compiled by Cuvier and Valenciennes in 1828. They reported 33 taxa for the archipelago. Puerto Rico has no native freshwater fish species, however, 24 introduced species, mainly originating from Africa, South America and the southeastern United States, have established populations, and 60 marine species use Puerto Rico's freshwater bodies intermittently during the year. Introductions have been intentional and accidental. The purposes of intentional introductions have been sport fishing for recreation and food, mosquito control, and to provide baitfish for largemouth bass. Accidental introductions, such as the sailfin armored catfish (Liposarcus multiradiatus ), are mainly attributed to the release of aquarium fish. Since 1936, the Puerto Rican Department of Natural and Environmental Resources runs a hatchery at the municipality of Maricao. About 25,000 fish, including largemouth bass, peacock bass, and channel catfish, and some turtle species are raised annually to stock Puerto Rico's reservoirs and rivers.
The first fish descriptions from Puerto Rico were compiled by Cuvier and Valenciennes in 1828. They reported 33 taxa for the archipelago. Puerto Rico has no native freshwater fish species, however, 24 introduced species, mainly originating from Africa, South America and the southeastern United States, have established populations, and 60 marine species use Puerto Rico's freshwater bodies intermittently during the year. Introductions have been intentional and accidental. The purposes of intentional introductions have been sport fishing for recreation and food, mosquito control, and to provide baitfish for largemouth bass. Accidental introductions, such as the sailfin armored catfish (Liposarcus multiradiatus ), are mainly attributed to the release of aquarium fish. Since 1936, the Puerto Rican Department of Natural and Environmental Resources runs a hatchery at the municipality of Maricao. About 25,000 fish, including largemouth bass, peacock bass, and channel catfish, and some turtle species are raised annually to stock Puerto Rico's reservoirs and rivers.
Follow this link: http://fish.mongabay.com/data/Puerto%20Rico.htm
It shows a list of freshwater fish found in Puerto Rico and if they are native or introduced. The list is compiled by Fishbase.
Google and Wiki are your friend!
It shows a list of freshwater fish found in Puerto Rico and if they are native or introduced. The list is compiled by Fishbase.
Google and Wiki are your friend!
I had seen that list already, therefor I knew there are native fresh water fish in PR. I just wanted to know if there was native cichlids. The answer is no. I knew there where cichlids because I use to catch big oscars and peacocks in a near by river where I used to live.