So I live in South West Florida, and I was just curious. If I go out and travel south abit and catch a Midas, Jag, Oscar, Mayan, ect ect in a Canal. Would it still be considered wild caught? Because technically that's wild caught... However it would have originated from a pet store breed stock since they are non native species. Just something I was pondering while setting my minnow traps yesterday.
Florida Cichlids...
- Thread starter Covetous
- Start date
It would be wild caught because you are catching it in the wild. However it doesn't change the fact that they are a non-native/introduced/non-indigenous species. Depending on their impact to the environment/ecosystem they could also be considered an invasive species. A good example of this is the Texas Cichlid in New Orleans and other areas.
They are most definitely invasive species of that there is no doubt. My wonder is this, if I caught some juveniles in my traps. Would it be wrong of me to sell them as wild Caught ______ whatever it may be. I've noticed wild caught cichlids are always more expensive.
They are considered feral not wild. Selling them as wild would be very dishonest.
Ahhhh see I've never heard a fish referenced as feral. Ive heard of dogs and Cats, but never fish. Keep in mind this is all hypothetical considering its not actually something I plan to do. Just something I was pondering. So Technically their feral fish. And Wild fish would only be considered in their native territory? What about those same cichlids that have made their ways into different parts of South America? You hear of the same species of fish coming from multiple different areas there. I'm sure not all of them are naturally occurring. But some have migrated to new areas and made themselves homes there. And now we consider them "native" to that area.
I'm from New Orleans and Texas Blues are literally in every bayou in the area. No one should ever purchase one in this area. There are free ones to be had all over.