Canals as Vectors for Fish Movement: Potential Southward Range Expansion of Lepisosteus osseus L. (Longnose Gar) in South Florida

Authors

David A. Gandy, Earth and Environment Department, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Jennifer S. Rehage, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityFollow
Jay W. Munyon, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityFollow
Kelly B. Gestring, Non-Native Fish Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
John I. Galvez, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

Abstract

Lepisosteus osseus (Longnose Gar) is a large-bodied predator, whose Florida distribution remains unclear at the southern edge of its range. We reviewed available literature and museum voucher specimens to provide a more accurate range description, and we discuss recent collections in south Florida. Longnose Gar has not been previously reported in natural habitats south of Lake Okeechobee. Instead, records south of the lake are from canals, and most are recent (since 2000), including our own southernmost 2011 record. No records from Everglades natural habitats have been collected. Previous studies have shown native range expansions in anthropogenically disturbed landscapes. We suggest that the Longnose Gar is expanding its range southward in Florida using canals as dispersal vectors and/or suitable habitat.

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Gandy, D.A., J.S. Rehage, J. Munyon, K.B. Gestring, J.I. Galvez. 2012. Canals as Vectors for Fish Movement: Potential Southward Range Expansion of Lepisosteus osseus L. (Longnose Gar) in South Florida. Southeastern Naturalist 11: 253-262.