Non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation

This study documented assemblages of native and non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands within the Big Cypress Swamp. Within the restored wetland, non-indigenous fishes constituted only a minor component of the entire fish community in the restored wetland, although large fish assemblages were dominated by non-indigenous fishes. Among assemblages of species with similar ecologies, nonindigenous species may impact native species in the restored wetland. Within the natural wetlands, non-indigenous fishes became more conspicuous during the second year of this study. Hydroperiod and water depth were important factors influencing fish communities in both study habitats. Attempts to block access of non-indigenous fishes from canals into the restored wetland appeared to limit invasions of non-indigenous species, although it did not entirely exclude them. Two new non-indigenous fish species in the Big Cypress Swamp, Hoplosternum littorale and Belonesox belizanus were also documented.