Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Cichla sp., Cichlasoma sp.
| ITIS TSN: | 169856; 169774 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Aquatic |
| Native Range: | Central and South America |
Human Health
These species pose no known human health impacts.Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, these species are not prohibited in Texas.Introduction Pathways
Some species of cichlids (e.g., Cichla ocellaris - the peacock bass and C. temensis, the speckled pavon) were stocked in North American waters in the 1960s through the 1980s by state agencies to support recreational fishing (Nico 2010a). Some species of Cichlasoma were released in the 1950s by fish farms (Nico and Fuller 2010b). Other species have been introduced via the aquarium trade (Nico 2010b).Geographic Distribution
Representatives of this diverse group of fishes are found in a number of states, including Florida and Texas. In Texas, two species of the genus Cichla have been reported (C. ocellaris and C. temensis) along with ten species of the genus Cichlasoma (USGS 2009a). One species of Cichlasoma (C. cyanoguttatum, the Rio Grande cichlid) is native to the southwestern portions of Texas along the Rio Grande and Nueces rivers, but has established populations in other parts of the state, including the Lower Galveston Bay watershed. The Rio Grande cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the U.S. (Nico and Fuller 2010c).Specific Primary Habitats
This group of fishes is extremely diverse in terms of morphology (body structure) and environmental tolerances. Cichlids are notoriously adaptive, and can be found in freshwater and estuarine habitats (Adams and Wolfe 2007).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
As mentioned above, two species of Cichla have been introduced to Texas waters in support of recreational fishing activities. The ecological impact is largely unknown, but they likely compete with native species for prey. Species of the genus Cichlasoma are known to be highly aggressive and may compete with native sunfish for spawning sites and food resources. One species of the genus Cichlasoma is thought to have caused the extermination of a species of dace in Nevada (Nico and Fuller 2010d).Physical Description
Cichlids are extremely diverse in terms of morphology (body structure) and coloration. However, in general cichlids have sloping foreheads and somewhat elongated bodies. Many have a barred gray/black pattern on the sides of the body and some species have a black eye spot located on the mid to rear lateral side. Some species, such as Cichlasoma octofasciatum (the Jack Dempsey) have numerous white spots on the body and dorsal and anal fins. Others have bright color patterns such as the red and blue coloration of Cichlasoma meeki (the firemouth cichlid).Reproduction Characteristics
Cichlids display organized breeding with males and females providing parental care to eggs and young. As with morphology and environmental tolerances, cichlid species have evolved a number of different reproductive strategies that include nest spawning on open substrate or in protective areas such as caves and rock crevices.Feeding
South American cichlids are piscivores (carnivores that feed on fish) that consume a variety of prey species.Control
Since early detection is key to preventing the spread and establishment of this species, regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential. Cichlids should not be released in local waterways. If found in local waters, note the capture location, kill and freeze the animal, and notify the TPWD.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Speckled pavon (Cichla temensis). Photo courtesy Thorke A S Ostergaard, USGS NAS Database, http://nas.er.usgs.gov. |
 Butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris). Photo courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Archive, Bugwood.org. |
 Black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum). Photo courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Archive, Bugwood.org. |