Greater Antillean Freshwater - A Global Ecoregion

Unusual freshwater forms derived from continental ancestors

About the Area
Unlike the fauna of most island freshwater streams, the species found in Greater Antillean streams are generally not derived from marine organisms, but are more closely related to the species found in North and South America.

This ecoregion has a high degree of endemism, with at least 70 species of native freshwater fishes, many of which are restricted to individual river basins. Caves and associated underground streams on these islands are a largely unexplored habitat where more endemic freshwater species are likely to be discovered.

Local Species
The family Poecillidae, with five genera and over 40 fish species, dominates the fish fauna. Seven species of freshwater crabs from one genus are endemic to Cuba.

Characteristic native Antillean freshwater fishes include the Cuban gar (Attractosteus tristoechus), Hispaniolan gambusia (Gambusia hispaniolae), Green rivulus (Rivuluscy lindraceus), and Hispaniola pupfish (Cyprinodon bondi).

The most threatened New World crocodile, Crocodylus rhombifer, survives in the Zapata Swamp, located in southwestern Cuba. The widespread American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) also occurs in this ecoregion.

Threats
Clearing of forests and conversion of land to agriculture are major threats to the integrity of the freshwater systems of the islands. Growing human populations, associated discharge of untreated sewage and other pollutants, and introduction of exotic species - particularly tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), further add to the pressure on these freshwater systems.

Resources
• NationalGeographic.com