Because of the potential peril nonnative fish pose to aquatic habitats, UF/IFAS researchers studied fish behavioral traits that increase their chances of survival in Florida’s fresh waters. Among the scientists’ findings: If the fish are good parents, they’ll likely establish in Florida’s peninsula.

“When these species are released into the environment, they may survive, find mates and reproduce,” said Katie Lawson, a former UF/IFAS researcher who led the study while a doctoral student at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin. “Some of our established fish species have noticeable impacts.”