Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma urophthalmus
Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma urophthalmus
(Midas Cichlid × Mayan Cichlid)
Fishes
Exotic Hybrid

Copyright Info
Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma urophthalmus

Common name: Midas Cichlid × Mayan Cichlid

Native Range: None. Parental species have non-overlapping ranges, and thus would not hybridize in nature. Native ranges for putative parental species are:

Amphilophus citrinellus – Pacific slope drainages in Central America from Great Lakes and crater lakes of Nicaragua to Río Coto in southeastern Costa Rica (Bussing 1987).

Cichlasoma urophthalmus – Atlantic slope drainages in Central America from Río Coatzacoalcos basin in Mexico southward into Nicaragua, including Isla Mujeres and Yucatán Peninsula (Conkel 1993; Greenfield and Thomerson 1997).

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Shafland et al. (2008) reported the collection of a suspected Amphilophus citrinellus x Cichlasoma urophthalmus hybrid by an angler in the L-30 Canal, Palm Beach County, Florida, in 2005. This fish had coloration and markings intermediate between the two putative parental species.

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma urophthalmus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
FL200520051Everglades

Table last updated 4/18/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Likely the result of a chance spawning event between resident introduced Mayan and Midas cichlids in the canal systems in Palm Beach County (Shafland et al. 2008).

Status: Failed: no more hybrid individuals have been reported (Shafland et al. 2008).

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Bussing, W.A. 1987. Peces de las aguas continentales de Costa Rica. Editorial de la Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Conkel, D. 1993. Cichlids of North and Central America. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Greenfield, D.M. and J.E. Thomerson. 1997. Fishes of the continental waters of Belize. University Press of Florida. Gainesville, FL.

Shafland, P.L., K.B. Gestring, and M.S. Stanford. 2008. Florida's exotic freshwater fishes - 2007. Florida Scientist 71(3):220-245.

Other Resources:
Fact Sheet for Amphilophus citrinellus - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Fact Sheet for Cichlasoma urophthalmus - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database


Author: Neilson, M.E.

Revision Date: 6/29/2023

Peer Review Date: 7/9/2013

Citation Information:
Neilson, M.E., 2024, Amphilophus citrinellus × Cichlasoma urophthalmus: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2601, Revision Date: 6/29/2023, Peer Review Date: 7/9/2013, Access Date: 4/18/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [4/18/2024].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.