Paul:
I not familiar with USA laws regarding wildlife introductions. But your
scenario is truly interesting. However I would consider the accidental
introduction of the endangered fish, still a kind of stress, with unknown
effects on the local biological community. That's why I believe that
authorities should act upon it.
However, I'd say that the endangered species would unlikely survive in
Florida's waterways. Most likely your Madagascar cichlid will face stiff
competition from other introduced fish in Florida and the native fauna. Most
likely these endangred species evolved in habitats where they did not have
to face the same competition found in other places.
Benjie Vallejo
Aquarium Science Association of the Philippines, inc.
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Republic of the Philippines