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: Saffron Shiner

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994).

Size: 8.4 cm.

Native Range: Mountainous area drained by upper Tennessee River drainage, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee; headwaters of Santee and Savannah rivers, North Carolina (Page and Burr 1991).

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: Probable bait bucket release or stock contamination (with bass or trout) from hatchery in upper Holston system (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). First found in upper New drainage, Virginia, in 1963. Became widespread soon afterwards (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994).

Status: Established in North Carolina and Virginia.

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: There is uncertainty concerning the native versus nonindigenous distribution of this species. In his summary table on North Carolina fishes, Menhinick (1991) listed this species as "probably introduced" to the New, Broad, and Catawba river drainages; he listed it as "native and probably introduced" to the Tennessee River drainage (presumably meaning that he regarded it as native to one part of that drainage and introduced into another part); and he listed it as "native but possibly introduced" to the Savannah drainage. In their summary table on Virginia fishes, Jenkins and Burkhead (1994) listed it as "introduced, but possibly native" to the New (Kanawha) drainage. Hocutt et al. (1986) also listed it has "introduced, but possibly native" in the Kanawha above the falls; however, they commented that its historical absence in collections may have been due to inadequate sampling. Tsai and Raney (1974) stated that N. rubricroceus may have entered the Savannah River drainage of the Atlantic Slope via stream capture. Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) and Swift et al. (1986) noted that this species was probably native to the headwaters of the Savannah and Santee river drainages. Similarly, Starnes and Etnier (1986) indicated that this species was present naturally in the Savannah and Santee drainages because of stream capture. We have chosen to represent it as native to the Savannah.
Voucher specimens: Virginia (AMNH 69305, 69312).

Other Resources:

Author: Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller

Peer Review Date: 9/28/1999

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.