Low temperature as a limiting factor for introduction and distribution of Indo-Pacific damselfishes in the eastern United States

1. Distribution and reproduction of marine tropical fishes accidentally introduced along the United States' east coast and Gulf of Mexico are likely limited by low winter temperatures. 2. Mean minimum acclimation temperature, minimum feeding cessation temperature and critical thermal minima for eight Indo-Pacific damselfishes (family: Pomacentridae) were less than or equal to 19.3, 18.6 and 15.2 degrees C, respectively. 3. These data suggest that Indo-Pacific damselfishes could survive winter temperatures and establish permanent populations if introduced south of Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.