A list of Florida fishes and their distribution

Abstract

The fish fauna of Florida is far richer than that of any comparable area in North or Central America. The 1,120 species which occur in Florida waters represent approximately one-fourth the number of species recorded for the entire northern portion of the Western Hemisphere. Seventy-four of these apparently have a worldwide (circumtropical) distribution, while eighty-five have been taken only from Florida waters. More fish species occupy the marine shore zone than are found in all other habitats combined. This shore fauna has a great deal in common with that of the West Indies, South America, and Bermuda, perhaps more than with the rest of North America. The surprising number of Florida shore species that range to the eastern Atlantic indicates a closer relationship to that area than was previously suspected. The Florida Keys contain the greatest variety of fishes in the state. The majority of the mainland forms occur in the Keys, and, in addition, approximately 135 species that inhabit the Keys do not occur on the mainland. A distinct difference is present between the Gulf and Atlantic coast faunas with the former being a good deal richer in number of species. There is also a clear indication of a faunal difference between the northeastern and northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The rich freshwater fish fauna of the other southeastern states has been able to penetrate Florida to but a limited extent; almost all of those species present belong to six families of which the Cyprinodontidae, Centrarchidae, and Ictaluridae have been the most successful invaders. A systematic list provides information about the range, habitat, and common name of each species. A bibliography includes those references necessary for the identification of Florida freshwater, euryhaline, and marine shore fishes.