HR669 ban on importation of many animals, including fish!
I understand congress 100%, I have seen the changes in my love of the world, the Florida Everglades. Years ago when I was young my dad use to take me their all the time. The native fish and wild life was so real and so thick that you really wouldnt of thought anything.
Today in the year of 2010 I see that the Florida Everglades and many other places in the state are under attack. Invasive Fish, plants, reptiles, and rodents are starting to take over our native species and are out competing with them for food and land.
The Invasive fish are out of control and I dont see how they can help stabilize the natural populations of Largemouth bass, bluegills, crappie and other native fish species in which turn into food to all of the invasive Predators with out our help.
We have a problem here in Florida and we need some help. I really would like to start a task force in which works 5 days - 7 days a week collecting nothing but the invasive species and either re homing them to fellow responsible hobbyist or euthanizing the rest.
Some of the over taking species such as Tilapia should be caught and sold as food to the Fish market. If their were enough people willing to help get these species out maybe the natives would have a better chance.
Instead the invasive fish and animals are out breeding and out controlling all Natives. Florida needs our help. I would really like to help control invasive species in Florida.
I want to help save the last GREAT swamp in America. I have seen the pythons, and what looks to be hybrid pythons. They are no joke they are as real as it gets. The invasive fish are the same way.
Im concerned their really might not be much Native wild life left down here in another 20 years. It is turning into the land of exotics as we speak. A new world of a whole bunch of species that dont belong... Soon to be called Jurassic Park.
I understand FWC helps restock native species, but that is only half the problem. I would like to help FWC take out all the species that dont belong. I know I cant save the whole state or country, but I would like to do my best to try and save whats left of the Florida Everglades. You cant catch them all but you can help deplete the numbers. Its a magnificent place of wonders. And with the states help, I know I can help!! And so can all of you.
Just think about it. Their are millions of irresponsible people out their. The ones who dont think or care are the ones that damage everything. I enjoy collecting non native species, and native species. And thats why I really worry. Because the native really are falling out to the non native. Here is just a small list that I know we have problems with
Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus)native to Southeast Asia and first reported in mid-1960s; numerous media reports anticipated catastrophic effects that never materialized; grows to more than 20 inches, can breathe air, and traverse short distances on land when raining. These guys destroy native bluegill and large mouth bass fish beds, and multiply by thousands.
Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)native to Africa and Middle East, first brought to Florida in 1961 by FWC for research purposes, but release into open waters never authorized; grows to 10 lbs and feeds primarily on plankton and detritus; male digs and guards large crater-like nest in shallow water; female broods eggs and young in mouth. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Spotted Tilapia (Tilapia mariae)native to west Africa and first reported in 1974; this is only substrate spawning tilapia in Florida; abundant in south Florida where it is the primary forage for butterfly peacock; coloration changes from a barred pattern in juveniles to spotted pattern in adults. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)introduced in late 1960s; native to east Africa; maximum size about 3.5 lbs; breeding males are black with white cheeks and large mouths, but females appear similar to blue tilapia. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)one of first exotic fishes reported in late 1950s, native to South America, and widespread south of Lake Okeechobee; grows to about 2.5 lbs, and is a popular sport fish. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Midas Cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum)first collected in Florida in late 1970s; native to Great Lakes of Nicaragua; adults brightly colored, but young drab gray. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)first reported from remote areas of Everglades National Park in early 1980s; native to Central America; tolerant of brackish water; widespread, abundant, and is a popular sport fish. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Jaguar Guapote(Cichlasoma managuense)native to Central America and first documented in 1992; has small teeth. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum)native to South America and fi rst reported in early 1960s, this species sometimes becomes abundant in densely vegetated habitats or ponds containing few other fishes. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)small fish native to Africa and introduced in early 1960s; maximum size five inches; associated with dense vegetation
Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus)one of three similar sucker mouth catfishes in Florida, this species first collected in late 1970s, but another species had been present since 1950s; native to South America and covered with bony scales; grows to greater than 20 inches; burrowing activity sometimes leads to erosion problems. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
Brown Hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale)first reported in 1995 and
now widespread in central Florida and spreading south; maximum size about 10 inches, native to South America. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus)small fish (less than 7 inches) native to Central America; reportedly released in 1957 after completion of a university research project; preys on small fishes and births young alive; prefers marshy habitats.
Apple Snails I see good and bad with this one.
And I know "Peacock" tire track eels are breeding down their. I dont know if they have confirmed them yet but I have. I have plenty of samples in my freezer and aquarium.
+ + + MANY other reptiles, fish, plants, birds, and mammals I didnt list
I dont agree with the TOTAL HR669 ban on exotic pets, but I do agree with congress we have a problem. And that problem is not all the hobby's fault. Many of the species let go were let go intentionally for food purposes and game purposes.
Like I said these fish breed like crazy, and with Floridas perfect climate people take advantage. Im sure the tilapia were let go just like the Farrell Hogs from Spain. They had good reason, but never cared or sat down and thought about the consequences it would have on the environment and state in the future.
Be responsible. Dont release your pet into the wild, even if it is native. Theirs all kinds of other things you could be releasing with it, including disease, and harm to the enviroment.
Thanks,
John
I understand congress 100%, I have seen the changes in my love of the world, the Florida Everglades. Years ago when I was young my dad use to take me their all the time. The native fish and wild life was so real and so thick that you really wouldnt of thought anything.
Today in the year of 2010 I see that the Florida Everglades and many other places in the state are under attack. Invasive Fish, plants, reptiles, and rodents are starting to take over our native species and are out competing with them for food and land.
The Invasive fish are out of control and I dont see how they can help stabilize the natural populations of Largemouth bass, bluegills, crappie and other native fish species in which turn into food to all of the invasive Predators with out our help.
We have a problem here in Florida and we need some help. I really would like to start a task force in which works 5 days - 7 days a week collecting nothing but the invasive species and either re homing them to fellow responsible hobbyist or euthanizing the rest.
Some of the over taking species such as Tilapia should be caught and sold as food to the Fish market. If their were enough people willing to help get these species out maybe the natives would have a better chance.
Instead the invasive fish and animals are out breeding and out controlling all Natives. Florida needs our help. I would really like to help control invasive species in Florida.
I want to help save the last GREAT swamp in America. I have seen the pythons, and what looks to be hybrid pythons. They are no joke they are as real as it gets. The invasive fish are the same way.
Im concerned their really might not be much Native wild life left down here in another 20 years. It is turning into the land of exotics as we speak. A new world of a whole bunch of species that dont belong... Soon to be called Jurassic Park.
I understand FWC helps restock native species, but that is only half the problem. I would like to help FWC take out all the species that dont belong. I know I cant save the whole state or country, but I would like to do my best to try and save whats left of the Florida Everglades. You cant catch them all but you can help deplete the numbers. Its a magnificent place of wonders. And with the states help, I know I can help!! And so can all of you.
Just think about it. Their are millions of irresponsible people out their. The ones who dont think or care are the ones that damage everything. I enjoy collecting non native species, and native species. And thats why I really worry. Because the native really are falling out to the non native. Here is just a small list that I know we have problems with
Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus)native to Southeast Asia and first reported in mid-1960s; numerous media reports anticipated catastrophic effects that never materialized; grows to more than 20 inches, can breathe air, and traverse short distances on land when raining. These guys destroy native bluegill and large mouth bass fish beds, and multiply by thousands.
Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)native to Africa and Middle East, first brought to Florida in 1961 by FWC for research purposes, but release into open waters never authorized; grows to 10 lbs and feeds primarily on plankton and detritus; male digs and guards large crater-like nest in shallow water; female broods eggs and young in mouth. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Spotted Tilapia (Tilapia mariae)native to west Africa and first reported in 1974; this is only substrate spawning tilapia in Florida; abundant in south Florida where it is the primary forage for butterfly peacock; coloration changes from a barred pattern in juveniles to spotted pattern in adults. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)introduced in late 1960s; native to east Africa; maximum size about 3.5 lbs; breeding males are black with white cheeks and large mouths, but females appear similar to blue tilapia. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)one of first exotic fishes reported in late 1950s, native to South America, and widespread south of Lake Okeechobee; grows to about 2.5 lbs, and is a popular sport fish. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Midas Cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum)first collected in Florida in late 1970s; native to Great Lakes of Nicaragua; adults brightly colored, but young drab gray. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)first reported from remote areas of Everglades National Park in early 1980s; native to Central America; tolerant of brackish water; widespread, abundant, and is a popular sport fish. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Jaguar Guapote(Cichlasoma managuense)native to Central America and first documented in 1992; has small teeth. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever. MEAN!
Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum)native to South America and fi rst reported in early 1960s, this species sometimes becomes abundant in densely vegetated habitats or ponds containing few other fishes. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)small fish native to Africa and introduced in early 1960s; maximum size five inches; associated with dense vegetation
Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus)one of three similar sucker mouth catfishes in Florida, this species first collected in late 1970s, but another species had been present since 1950s; native to South America and covered with bony scales; grows to greater than 20 inches; burrowing activity sometimes leads to erosion problems. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
Brown Hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale)first reported in 1995 and
now widespread in central Florida and spreading south; maximum size about 10 inches, native to South America. Again the produce more then Florida can handle. Once they breed 1 time in a pond or canal, they have basically established a colony forever.
Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus)small fish (less than 7 inches) native to Central America; reportedly released in 1957 after completion of a university research project; preys on small fishes and births young alive; prefers marshy habitats.
Apple Snails I see good and bad with this one.
And I know "Peacock" tire track eels are breeding down their. I dont know if they have confirmed them yet but I have. I have plenty of samples in my freezer and aquarium.
+ + + MANY other reptiles, fish, plants, birds, and mammals I didnt list
I dont agree with the TOTAL HR669 ban on exotic pets, but I do agree with congress we have a problem. And that problem is not all the hobby's fault. Many of the species let go were let go intentionally for food purposes and game purposes.
Like I said these fish breed like crazy, and with Floridas perfect climate people take advantage. Im sure the tilapia were let go just like the Farrell Hogs from Spain. They had good reason, but never cared or sat down and thought about the consequences it would have on the environment and state in the future.
Be responsible. Dont release your pet into the wild, even if it is native. Theirs all kinds of other things you could be releasing with it, including disease, and harm to the enviroment.
Thanks,
John