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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.

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Common name: Lowland Cichlid

Synonyms and Other Names: Parapetenia cyanostigma Hérnandez-Rolón 1990; Pearlscale Cichlid, mojarra tampiqueña

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Similar to Rio Grande Cichlid (H. cyanoguttatus), but differs slightly in morphology and coloration (summarized by Oldfield et al. 2021). Lowland Cichlid has an oblique mouth with a lower jaw that projects slightly past the upper (vs. horizontal mouth with lower jaw equal to upper in Rio Grande Cichlid), a rounded ventral profile (vs. flat profile in Rio Grande), larger diameter iridescent spots on the flanks (mean size ≥ 1.5 mm vs. mean size ≤ 1.0 mm in Rio Grande), and black ventral color in breeding individuals extending forward to the mouth (vs. not extending to the mouth in Rio Grande)

Size: 17 cm standard length (Miller et al. 2005)

Native Range: Atlantic slope of Mexico; lowland areas from Río Soto la Marina to Río Pánuco (Miller et al. 2005)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

Means of Introduction: Likely aquarium release.

Status: Likely extirpated or eradicated in Florida. Schofield et al (2018) sampled repeatedly in 2016 finding no additional specimens, and no further reports of this species have been documented.

Established in Louisiana, previously being misidentified as H. cyanoguttatus (Oldfield et al. (2021).

Impact of Introduction: Unknown.

Remarks: This species has also been introduced, but is not established, in Singapore (Liew et al. 2012)

References: (click for full references)

Liew, J.H., H.H. Tan, and D.C.J. Yeo. 2012. Some cichlid fishes recorded in Singapore. Nature in Singapore 5:229-236. http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nis/bulletin2012/2012nis229-236.pdf

Miller, R.R., W.L. Minckley, and S.M. Norris. 2005. Freshwater fishes of Mexico. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL.

Oldfield, R.O., A. Kakuturu, W.I. Lutterschmidt, O.T. Lorenz, A.E. Cohen, and D.A. Hendrickson. 2021. Live color patterns diagnose species: a tale of two Herichthys. Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan 209(1):1-18. https://doi.org/10.7302/916

Schofield, P.J., W.F. Loftus, and K.M. Reaver. 2018. Non-native fishes of the central Indian River Lagoon. Florida Scientist 81(1):12-24.

Other Resources:

Author: Neilson, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 7/2/2015

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.