Nonnative: Jaguar Guapote

Jaguar Guapote - Cichlasoma managuense

Description: Broken lateral line and black-and-white patterning make this species distinct; toothed and protrusible mouth; numerous purple to black spots or blotches on body and fins with series of black squares along their sides; males typically larger than females; only local species that might be confused with the jaguar guapote is the black crappie, but guapote's teeth and broken lateral line instantly set it apart.

Range: Known mostly from coastal canal systems of southeast Florida, ranging as far north as West Palm Beach; first reported in 1992 from a photograph of two specimens caught in a farm pond, near Miami Canal. Native range is Atlantic slope of Central and South America.

Habitat: Currently found in southeast Florida box-cut canals; tolerant of poor water quality. In native range occupy a variety of habitats including rivers and lakes with muddy, sandy, and rocky bottoms.

Spawning Habitats: Female lays about 4,000 adhesive eggs on hard, flat surface; both parents protective of eggs and young; most spawning occurs from March through July, with a secondary peak in October-November.

Feeding Habits: Medium-sized opportunistic predator; feeds primarily on small fish (including many exotic species) and aquatic insects; also consumes some snails, worms, and even an occasional lizard.

Age and Growth: Largest collected by FWC about 16 inches long and weighed 2.8 pounds, but reportedly grows larger.

Sporting Quality: Limited; caught on beetle-spins and other small artificial baits, as well as, live worms and small fish; no bag or size limits.

Edibility: Excellent; a mainstay in its native range.

State and World Records: IGFA all-tackle record caught in Florida weighed 3.5 pounds and was 21.5 inches long. Not included in state records data base.

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