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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Orangemouth Corvina

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Walker et al. (1961); Howells (1991); Page and Burr (1991).

Size: 90 cm.

Native Range: Marine. Pacific Coast from Gulf of California to Acapulco, Mexico (Page and Burr 1991).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: In California, stockings were carried out by the California Department of Fish and Game, and in Texas by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, for the purpose of introducing a sportfish. Total number of fish introduced into the Salton Sea did not exceed 272 (Walker et al. 1961); the Texas stockings totaled nearly 770,000 fish (Howells and Garrett 1992).

Status: This species was established in the Salton Sea, California, where it was considered an important sportfish (Walker et al. 1961), but became extirpated in 2003 due to increasing salinity (Page et al. 2013; J. Crayon, California Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). There has been no evidence of reproduction in Texas, and existing populations were predicted to disappear (Howells 1991; Howells 1992; Howells and Garrett 1992). It is extirpated in New Mexico (Sublette et al. 1990).

Impact of Introduction: Largely unknown. Texas biologists expressed concern over the potential for establishment of this species in the Gulf of Mexico (Howells and Garrett 1992).

References: (click for full references)

Howells, R.G. 1991. Identification of orangemouth corvina, spotted seatrout and their hybrids. Management Data Series No. 57. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Fisheries Division, Austin, TX.

Howells, R.G. 1992. Annotated list of non-native fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, in Texas waters. Management Data Series No. 78. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX.

Howells, R.G., and G.P. Garrett. 1992. Status of some exotic sport fishes in Texas waters. Texas Journal of Science 44(3):317-324.

Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Page, L.M., H. Espinosa-Pérez, L.T. Findlay, C.R. Gilbert, R.N. Lea, N.E. Mandrak, R.L. Mayden, and J.S. Nelson. 2013. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 7th edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publicatin 34. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Sublette, J.E., M.D. Hatch, and M. Sublette. 1990. The fishes of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM.

Walker, B.W., R.R. Whitney, and G.W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. Pages 77-91 in Walker, B.W., ed. The ecology of the Salton Sea, California, in relation to the sportfishery. Fish Bulletin No. 113. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 3/5/2014

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.