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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: twospot climbing perch

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Sterba (1973) gave distinguishing characteristics. See Axelrod et al. (1985) and FishBase for color photographs of live fish. Genus includes approximately 16 species (Norris et al. 1988).

Size: 17 cm.

Native Range: Tropical Africa. Native to Niger River delta and Congo River basin (Sterba 1973, see Norris et al. 1988)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Probable escape from local aquarium fish farm (Courtenay et al. 1974).

Status: Extirpated. In the past, it was locally established in Florida, but no specimens have been collected since the 1970s (Courtenay and Hensley 1979). Disappearance was possibly the result of cold winter temperatures (Courtenay and Hensley 1979; Courtenay et al. 1984; Courtenay and Stauffer 1990). Shafland et al. (2008) list it as a formerly reproducing species.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: The species formerly occupied a canal adjacent to the same fish farm from which Anabas testudineus had been reported (Courtenay and Hensley 1979). There are no known voucher specimens.

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and D. A. Hensley. 1979. Survey of introduced non-native fishes. Phase I Report. Introduced exotic fishes in North America: status 1979. Report Submitted to National Fishery Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gainesville, FL.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1990. The introduced fish problem and the aquarium fish industry. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 21(3):145-159.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and J. R. Stauffer, Jr., editors. 1984. Distribution, biology and management of exotic fishes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.

Shafland, P.L., K.B. Gestring, and M.S. Sanford.  2008. Categorizing introduced fishes collected from public waters. Southeastern Naturalist 7(4):627-636.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. English translation and revision from German. Two volumes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Other Resources:

Author: Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller

Peer Review Date: 6/7/2012

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.