Origin
Cichlasoma bimaculatum is native to South America. Black acara was introduced to the United States as escaped or intentionally released individuals from fish farms.

Life Cycle
C. bimaculatum is distinguished from other North American native sunfishes and black basses by 2 black non-continuous lateral lines and a single nostril opening on each side of the head. Black acara are approximately 4.7 in. (12 cm) in length. Black acara are omnivores that consume small crustaceans and insect larvae while integrating small fish species as adults.

Distribution
C. bimaculatum is established in Florida.

Control Efforts
C. bimaculatum competes with native sunfish for breeding habitat and have been observed attempting to feed on bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) eggs.  

https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=441
https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ans/erss/uncertainrisk/ERSS-Cichlasoma-bimaculatum-final-April2018.pdf
 

Resources

---

• Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Selected Images

---

Maps

---

Invasive Listing Sources

---

• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership

References

---

Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.