28 



L. Stanton Hales, Jr. 



This species is among the most widely distributed exotic fishes in North 

 America, with populations now established in at least seven states 

 (Courtenay et al. 1984). In the southeastern United States, the species 

 has reproducing populations in Lake Julian, Buncombe Co., N. C, six 

 Texas lakes, and more than 18 counties in Florida (Hubbs et al. 1978, 

 Courtenay et al. 1984, Dolmon 1990). It is also established in Oklahoma, 

 Arizona, California, and possibly Nevada (Courtenay et al. 1984). The 

 species is widely used for control of aquatic vegetation (despite little if 

 any demonstrated success), and its spread has been facilitated by the use 

 of juveniles as bait (Courtenay et al. 1984). 



Approximately 15 juvenile blue tilapia were collected by a local 

 fisherman in minnow traps baited with blue crab {Callinectes sapidus) 

 pieces in a tidal creek on the north end of Skidaway Island along the 

 Skidaway River (Fig. 1). Unfortunately, the identity of the specimens 



Fig. 1. Location of site where blue tilapia were collected. The figure on lower 

 left shows the location of Wassaw Sound in Georgia, the figure on upper left 

 shows the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (outlined area in upper left 

 corner), and the figure on right shows the location of the small, unnamed creek 

 east of the laboratory docks in the Skidaway River. 



