Factors influencing the distribution of blackchin tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron (Osteichthys: Cichlidae) in the Indian River system, Florida

Abstract

This species was originally imported as an aquarium fish, but was released or escaped into the wild and became established in open waters. Since its introduction, it has expanded its range northward along the coast c37 km, to just north of Whites Point, Brevard Country, and southwest about 68 km to Vero Beach, Indian River County. Laboratory studies indicate an ability to tolerate hypersaline concentrations of at least 100 ppt, and to reproduce in salinities of up to 35 ppt. The northern distribution of blackchin tilapia is amost certainly limited by cold temperatures but however, the potential exists for extensive coastal, and possibly inland, invasion south of its present limits -from Authors