Research on Biology, Ecology and Ecophysiology of Non-native Fishes

What do we do?

In the ecophysiology lab, we study how habitat attributes structure fish distributions and densities. A major lab focus is the tolerance of fishes (native and non-native) to environmental variables (e.g., low-oxygen, salinity, low temperatures). We also study how fish behavioral interactions (e.g., aggression, competition) are modified by environmental factors (e.g., low oxygen, salinity, presence of structure).

How do we do it?

In the lab . . . Fishes are collected and transported to the laboratory where research is done on their environmental tolerances (e.g., temperature, salinity, oxygen) and behavior.

In the field . . . We often work closely with our partners in the field, gathering data on fish distributions and conducting field experiments to compare against laboratory-derived environmental tolerances. This combination allows us to understand spatial and temporal dynamics of fish distributions in complex systems.

Why study non-native fishes?

The rate of introduction and establishment of non-native fishes in the U.S. has dramatically increased over the past 50 years and continues to escalate. Due to its mild climate, south Florida is an area that is particularly rich in non-native fishes (and a focus of study in our laboratory). Often, when non-native fishes arrive in the U.S., little is known of their biology and ecology.

Data from native ranges is often lacking, and even when available cannot be relied upon as non-natives may exhibit different characteristics in the invaded range. Indeed, many non-native fishes are not even adequately described, their taxonomic standing is questionable and identification is often difficult. Information on environmental tolerances of non-native fishes is one of the first types of information requested by natural resource managers, and is used to predict geographic ranges and potential interactions with native species.