PgmNr P2002: Genetic characterization of populations of the African Jewelfish (Hemichromis letourneuxi) introduced to the waterways of Florida.

Authors:
N. M. Belfiore 1 ; P. J. Schofield 2


Institutes
1) University of Tampa, Tampa, FL; 2) US Geological Survey, Gainesville FL.


Abstract:

The African jewelfish, Hemichromis letourneuxi, is an invasive, predatory cichlid that has been introduced at least once in the 1960s to Florida. Its native range is in freshwater bodies west of the Red Sea, spanning Egypt, North Sudan, and Eritrea in northeastern Africa, and thus it is likely adapted to a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats. It was first encountered, introduced by unknown means, in the Miami area in the 1960s. In subsequent decades, the fish has been encountered in waterways spreading west and north rapidly. It is tolerant of a wide range of aquatic conditions, freshwater and brackish, including shallow, vegetated or rocky areas of canals, tidal creeks, culverts, rivers, and marshes. This invasive species is a threat to other aquatic species, including native fishes, shrimp and snails because of its predatory behavior. We compare mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data from jewelfish sampled in six Florida populations, spread throughout the current range of this introduced species. Using gene and species tree reconstruction methods, we are hypothesizing the historical relationships among jewelfish populations using Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction and concordance methods. In conjunction with geographic information and the timing of arrival of this species in different drainages, we estimate the number of introductions of jewelfish from unique backgrounds, the times of introduction(s), the mode of spread, and where the initial introduction(s) occurred. Principles learned through understanding the history of this species could help to prevent future introductions of invasive species.