Disclaimer:

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: Redspotted Sunfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Pflieger (1975); Page and Burr (1991); Warren (1992); Etnier and Starnes (1993); recently distinguished from L. punctatus as a separate species (Warren 1992).

Size: 20 cm.

Native Range: Western spotted sunfish are native to the Illinois River in Illinois, ranging south through the Mississippi River and along the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Texas (Warren 1992).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

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

Means of Introduction: Unknown; possibly stock contamination.

Status: Established in Indiana; reported in Kentucky.

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: These reports were all made before L. punctatus was split into L. punctatus and L. miniatus. We assumed these collections were of L. miniatus because that is the species native to three of these states, and closest to the fourth (Oklahoma). The report from Oklahoma is somewhat questionable. Burr and Warren (1986) considered the records of introduced populations in the Red River (Cumberland drainage), Kentucky, depicted in Lee et al. (1980 et seq.), to be unsubstantiated and likely erroneous. However, Warren (1992) did map a collection (with specimens he examined) from the Cumberland just over the border in Tennessee. But, Etnier and Starnes (1993) did not include this location in their distribution map for the species in Tennessee. Therefore, whether it does now or has ever occurred in the Cumberland drainage is not clear. It is not clear whether this species is native or introduced in Indiana.

References: (click for full references)

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Cottle County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Grayson County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Red River Authority of Texas. 2001. Red and Canadian Basins Fish Inventory: Red River County. Red River Authority of Texas.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Cannister

Peer Review Date: 12/16/2010

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.