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.

---

Common name: Mirror Shiner

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994). Maximum size: 7.5 cm.

Native Range: Upper Tennessee River drainage, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia (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: Unknown, possible bait bucket release (but see Remarks section).

Status: Established in North and South Carolina.

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 designation of this species as introduced into the above named Atlantic Slope drainages is considered highly tenuous. In his summary table on North Carolina fishes, Menhinick (1991) listed this species as "native but possibly introduced" to the Savannah, Broad, and Catawba river drainages. Swift et al. (1986) regarded it as native (possibly introduced) to the Savannah drainage. Other authors did not specifically discuss introduction as an alternative explanation to stream capture. For instance, Tsai and Raney (1974) stated that N. spectrunculus may have entered the Savannah River drainage stream capture. Similarly, Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) noted that it occurred in the upper Savannah and Catawba-Santee river drainages of North Carolina, and presumed that it reached these waters through stream capture. Hocutt et al. (1986) regarded it as native to the Santee River drainage. Starnes and Etnier (1986) stated that N. spectrunculus is an upland shiner, a virtual Tennessee endemic, that has recently gained access via stream capture to various drainages from the Savannah River northward.

References: (click for full references)

Rohde, F. C., R. G. Arndt, J. W. Foltz, and J. M. Quattro.  2009.  Freshwater Fishes of South Carolina. University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, SC. 430 pp.

Other Resources:

Author: Nico, L.

Peer Review Date: 1/4/2010

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.