Invasive Aquatic Species of Florida
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS)
Due to the hospitable climate and port cities, invasive species cause a bigger problem in Florida than anywhere else in the continental US. These invasive species negatively impact native wildlife, cause costly destruction and pose a threat to human health and safety.
Based out of Gainesville, Florida the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource defines these species as those which "enter a body of water or aquatic ecosystem outside of its historic or native range.” As part of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) NAS provides spatial and biogeographic accounts of invasive species for biologists, interagency groups and the general public. Data is collected from databases, scientific reports, federal and state agencies as well as public reporting.
Invasive Aquatic Species of Florida
Top 5 Invasive Species
Specimen Count
Species #1
Originated from South America and can grow up to 6 inches high. Often seen with a pink egg mass containing hundreds to thousands of eggs. Their main health concern is their ability to carry parasites.
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Species #2
Is a type of cichlid that originated from Africa. They can be and can be found in shallow rocky or vegetated freshwater. They compete with sunfish for spawning sites and been found to have a negative effect on snail and shrimp species.
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Species #3
Found in sediment or buried just beneath the surface. They can clog irrigation canals, pipes and drinking water supplies costing about a billion US dollars each year. They also compete with native species for resources.
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Species #4
A type of cichlid that originates from Africa and the Middle East. As oppose to centrarchids they have a single nostril on both sides of the head and a discontinuous lateral line. They compete with native species for resources and has made significant changes in the fish community structure.
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Species #5
Can be found throughout rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and estuaries. They have a yellow to brown body with five to seven dark vertical bars and a round spot ringed by blue at the caudal fin. They have been shown to reduce native fish population in areas they are abundant by competing for resources
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Invasive Aquatic Species of Florida
How to Help and Prevent
DON'T release your pet into the wild.
Contact a pet store for proper handling
Trade with another pet owner
Donate to local aquarium or nature center
Check when Exotic Pet Amnesty day is
IDENTIFY and REPORT sightings.
Take a photo, report location (GPS coordinates are best) and list the date you saw the species.
App: IveGOTONE
Website: https://www.eddmaps.org/florida/report/
Call Hotline: 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681)
CHECK boat trailers, boat hulls and propellers.
Rinse and remove any hitchhikers such as snails or mussels.
Helpful links:
http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu
https://www.floridainvasives.org/