Molecular and morphological data for Channa aurolineata in Florida

We analyzed morphological and molecular data from one existing and one newly discovered population of 'bullseye' snakehead (Teleostei: Channidae) from Florida. Morphological and meristic data were collected from museum collections and compared with data from recent taxonomic revisions of related species in the 'Marulius' species group from southeast Asia. Additionally, we performed DNA sequencing of COI barcodes from museum tissue vouchers (corresponding with lots examined for morphology) and compared these sequences with an existing COI barcode library for the 'Marulius' group. These analyses were used to determine the taxonomic identity of snakeheads established in Florida.