Each summer, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Wildlife & Habitat Management team conducts aquatic fish and invertebrate sampling across the island. The data helps the team detect important changes in species diversity and community assemblages over time.

The SCCF reported that biologists Mike Mills and Nadine Cobb recently sampled the newly planted Gulf Ridge Preserve, which is filled up with seasonal water and seems to be providing home to numerous native freshwater fish species.

The most abundant species documented was the eastern mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki) — with over 150 individuals counted in just 10 fish traps. The next most prevalent species was the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), and the team also found sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegates), a southern leopard frog tadpole (Lithobates sphenocephalus) and a slough crayfish (Procambarus fallax).

Animals were briefly captured for identification before they were released back into the water.

“Species richness and abundances can be compared from previous years to signify changes in the habitat or the lack or abundance of rainfall. By monitoring annually, we can also record the presence of any exotic species that have invaded our freshwater systems, such as the Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus) that was first documented in 2008 through our efforts,” Mills said. “This monitoring becomes especially important in areas like the newly restored Gulf Ridge Preserve, where sampling for fish and aquatic invertebrates can help illustrate what impact our restoration efforts provide.”