Ecological effects of an introduced cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, on native Mexican cichlid communities

The convict cichlid, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, is a popular species in the aquarium hobby, due largely to its hardiness and ease of breeding in captivity. These traits also increase its chances of establishment when introduced in non-native environments, and many established nonindigenous populations have been reported. A relatively recent introduction of A. nigrofasciatus from an aquarium breeding facility has led to its establishment and spread in the Río Pánuco basin in northeastern Mexico . The ecological effects of this species in Río Pánuco communities have not yet been examined, but there appears to be a decline in the native cichlid species where it is present. My main interest is to study interactions of A. nigrofasciatus with native Herichthys cichlid species. I will compare resource use and nesting habitats of native Herichthys species in areas of sympatry and allopatry with introduced A. nigrofasciatus. This will allow me to examine niche overlap and niche shifts in native Herichthys species where they co-occur with A. nigrofasciatus. Additionally, I will compare diet and habitat use of A. nigrofasciatus in Río Pánuco communities with data from its native range in Costa Rica .

This study will provide much needed information on the extent to which this introduced species may compete with native cichlids for resources. In future studies, I hope to add to this research by testing hypotheses about the interactions of these species experimentally.