Age, growth, and mortality of the Mayan cichlid from the southeastern Everglades

The Mayan cichlid, native to fresh and brackish waters of the Atlantic slope of Central America, has been discovered in Florida waters. First found in the Everglades National Park in 1983, the fish has since spread to Naples and West Palm Beach areas, and has become abundant in man-made freshwater canals and estuarine mangroves, and now supports a small sport fishery. Anglers hold mixed opinions about the desirability of a Mayan cichlid fishery. Because of the ecological and economic significance of this introduction, research on the life history of the Mayan cichlid was conducted. The age, growth, and mortality patterns of this fish, collected from the southeastern Everglades, were determined. Mayan cichlids appear to grow more slowly and live longer in Florida than has been reported from native Mexican habitats. Further research and monitoring are needed to understand their possible impacts on native fishes and ecosystems.