Cichlidae

Cichlids are one of the major vertebrate families occurring on almost all continents and include roughly 1900 species (Kullander, 2003). Due to their varied behavior, often attractive colors and moderate size, they are commonly exploited as ornamental fishes. Two invasive cichlids have been found in the upper rio Paraná. Astronotus crassipinnis, previously misidentified as Astronotus ocellatus in the upper rio Paraná basin, is well appreciated in aquariophily in the world and might have been released deliberately in natural habitats by aquarists. This is suggested due to its absence in surveys conducted just below the Sete Quedas Falls before the Itaipu Reservoir (CETESB, 1981) in addition to its late appearance after Itaipu, along with the considerations of expert fishers, who agree with this possibility. That species was successful in the upper rio Paraná mainly in ponds and lagoons.