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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: Atlantic Needlefish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Smith (1985); Robins and Ray (1986); Mettee et al. (1996).

Size: 61 cm.

Native Range: Marine and fresh water; western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Rio de Janeiro, including coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean Sea (Boschung 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: Gained access to the Tennessee River drainage in Alabama and Tennessee via the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, an artificial canal completed in 1985 (Boschung 1992; Etnier and Starnes 1993).

Status: Established in Alabama and Tennessee. Large schools have been seen in the lower Cumberland River, Tennessee in 2010.

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 belonid occurs naturally in many coastal streams of the southern United States. Mettee et al. (1996) reported evidence that the adults live and spawn in the Alabama, Black Warrior, Coosa, and lower Tombigbee rivers.

References: (click for full references)

Boschung, H. T. 1992. Catalogue of freshwater and marine fishes of Alabama. Alabama Museum of Natural History Bulletin 14:1-266.

Etnier, D. A., and W. C. Starnes. 1993. The fishes of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Robins, C. R., G. C. Ray, and J. Douglass. 1986. A field guide to Atlantic Coast fishes of North America. The Peterson Guide Series, volume 32. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 3/6/2011

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.