Posts Tagged ‘pacu world record’

The recent cold weather has really put a hurting on Florida’s fresh and saltwater populations. The list of fish that were reported being killed around the state is extensive. Tarpon, grouper, snook, mojarro, blue gills, bass, etc. I honestly am a little depressed about the possible long term effects on the fishery.

Most hard hit were the species that reside in tropical climates like snook. These fish thrive in the normally warm waters of South Florida. Unfortunately, so do a lot of critters that don’t belong here. Over the last few years, non-native species have been getting a lot of press. Animals that have escaped or been release by pet owners that could no long take care of them. Things like the armored catfish which are creating a serious problem around the state. Especially, around Lake Okeechobee, where they are undermining the dike.

Armored Catfish

Pythons have become such an issue that the State of Florida has started to license hunters to eradicate them.

Well, as I was reading the newspaper this evening, I was struck by a possible upside of the recent cold weather. Along with the native species that have been damaged by the cold, some of the invasive species have been effected too.

As this article shows, “PSL pacu eclipsed world record“these invaders are not only living, but prospering in our rivers, canals and rivers. One of the most important parts of the article to me is this quote:

Grant Gilmore, Ph.D. a marine biologist, verified the find as a pacu Wednesday. Another measuring about nine inches was also found Wednesday near the same location. Gilmore said some experts have stated that pacu are not breeding in Florida waters. After cutting open the fish Wednesday morning, Gilmore was surprised at what he found.

“It looks like the St. Lucie River is becoming the Amazon of the north,” he said. “She was a gravid female getting ready to spawn. She had two large gonads filled with large eggs.”

Maybe the recent cold spell will help to slow the proliferation of the numerous invasive species. Hopefully a little bright spot.