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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: Butterfly Splitfin

Synonyms and Other Names: butterfly goodeid

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Miller and Fitzsimons (1971); Sanford (1995) - photo.

Size: 10 cm.

Native Range: This species is confined to a very small area, the Río Ameca basin, on the Pacific Slope of western Mexico (Miller and Fitzsimons 1971).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

Means of Introduction: Probably an aquarium release.

Status: Reported from Nevada. Records are more than 25 years old and the current status is not known to us.

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: This species is raised commercially for the aquarium industry in Florida (Robins et al. 1991b).

Voucher material from Nevada was deposited with Florida Atlantic University, but subsequently lost.

References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W., Jr. - Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., and J. E. Deacon. 1983. Fish introductions in the American southwest: a case history of Rogers Spring, Nevada. Southwestern Naturalist 28:221-224.

Deacon, J. E., and J. E. Williams. 1984. Annotated list of the fishes of Nevada. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 97(1):103-118.

Miller, R. R., and J. M. Fitzsimons. 1971. Ameca splendens, a new genus and species of Goodeid fish from western Mexico, with remarks on the classification of the Goodeidae. Copeia 1971(1):1-13.

Robins, C. R., R. M. Bailey, C. E. Bond, J. R. Brooker, E. A. Lachner, R. N. Lea, and W. B. Scott. 1991b. World fishes important to North Americans exclusive of species from the continental waters of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 21. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 243 pp.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Ameca splendens

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 4/15/2009

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.