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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.




Herichthys carpintis
Herichthys carpintis
(Lowland Cichlid)
Fishes
Exotic

Copyright Info
Herichthys carpintis (Jordan and Snyder, 1899)

Common name: Lowland Cichlid

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

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

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)

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

Nonindigenous Occurrences: A single specimen was reported from a retention pond in a residential area in Cocoa Beach, Florida in 2014 (C. Surprenant, personal communication). Subsequent electrofishing yielded three additional specimens in 2015 (K. Gestring, personal communication). Multiple specimens were collected from canals and waterbodies around New Orleans, Louisiana in 2012 and 2013 (Oldfield et al. 2021).

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 Herichthys carpintis are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA202220231San Gabriel
FL201420241Cape Canaveral
LA201220242East Central Louisiana Coastal; Eastern Louisiana Coastal
NV201720221Lake Mead

Table last updated 12/11/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


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:
FishBase Summary

Author: Neilson, M.E.

Revision Date: 6/24/2021

Peer Review Date: 7/2/2015

Citation Information:
Neilson, M.E., 2024, Herichthys carpintis (Jordan and Snyder, 1899): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=2939, Revision Date: 6/24/2021, Peer Review Date: 7/2/2015, Access Date: 12/11/2024

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 [12/11/2024].

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