Native to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron tributaries (Hocutt and Wiley 1986)

The literature is unclear and somewhat contradictory concerning the native versus nonindigenous distribution of this species. Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) stated that the Upper Rio Grande and northern Texas (Red River drainage) populations were presumably introduced. The dot distribution maps given by Hubbs and Black (1947; as Ceratichthys perspicuus) and Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) also show records from the Missouri River and tributaries (e.g., lower James River) within the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. However, these researchers apparently considered the Missouri River records to represent part of its native distribution. In contrast, Cross et al. (1986) stated that Pimephales vigilax "did not occur naturally in the Missouri River system." In their summary table, Cross et al. listed it as introduced to the Kansas River and Sioux-James River systems and as native to the Red River and elsewhere. Page and Burr (1991) stated that populations in the Rio Grande of New Mexico and western Texas may be introduced. They did not mention the possibility of its introduction into other areas. Furthermore, in their range map for this species, Page and Burr (1991) did not show it as occurring in the Missouri River drainage. Similar to Lee et al. (1980 et seq.), Hubbs et al. (1991) stated that "populations apparently introduced into the upper Rio Grande Basin and upper Red and Canadian basins in Texas." Smith and Miller (1986) recognized it as native to the lower Rio Grande and Pecos river drainages. They made no mention of its possible introduction into the upper Rio Grande. Cross and Collins (1995) noted that the Bullhead Minnow has become common in the Kansas River in Kansas as far west as Saline County. Records from the Missouri River system in South Dakota (and possibly adjacent states) may be erroneous. For example, without providing details, Hubbs and Black (1947) had doubts about records from South Dakota. Apparently in reference to all, or many, of these same South Dakota records, Bailey and Allum (1962) made note of Pimephales notatus specimens that had been misidentified as "Ceratichthys vigilax" in the earlier literature. Unfortunately, they made no further mention of "vigilax" in their work. (Bailey and Allum also stated that P. notatus was one of a group of species that had become established in the upper Missouri through introduction; however, they also speculated on natural events to explain observed fish distributions.) Trautman (1981) found Pimephales vigilax in bait pails of anglers at Buckeye Lake, Ohio, and later captured a specimen in the lake. However, he added "Despite the recent increase in abundance and unintentional introductions into many sections by bait fishermen there appears to have been no notable recent extension of its range in Ohio." Trautman did note that the specimen taken in 1927 from Lake St. Mary constituted the only known Lake Erie drainage record for Ohio. According to Becker (1983) noted that no voucher specimens are known to substantiate the Menomonee River record (Wisconsin). In apparent conflict with Page and Burr (1991), Underhill (1986) listed this species as native to tributaries of Lake Michigan. Hubbs and Black (1947) noted the taking of a single specimen of "Ceratichthys perspicuus" from a pond in the Osage River system in Kansas. In addition, they reported the finding of at least one specimen of "Ceratichthys tenellus" (now recognized as the slim minnow Pimephales tenellus) from the same station and stated that it also doubtless represented an introduction from the Neosho River system.