Ambloplites constellatus
(Ozark Bass)
Fishes
Native Transplant |
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Common name: Ozark Bass
Synonyms and Other Names: Formerly considered to be A. rupestris.
Taxonomy: available through
www.itis.gov
Identification: Robison and Buchanan (1988); Page and Burr (1991). Prior to its description in 1977 by Cashner and Suttkus, this species was not distinguished from the rock bass A. rupestris.
Size: Maximum size: 19 cm.
Native Range: Upper White River drainage in Arkansas and Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Robison and Buchanan 1988; Page and Burr 1991).
Nonindigenous Occurrences:
This species has been widely introduced into nonnative drainages in Arkansas and possibly into the Osage drainage in Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Lee et al. 1980 et seq.; Robison and Buchanan 1988; Page and Burr 1991; Pflieger 1997). The only area specifically mentioned as being stocked in the above mentioned areas is the Illinois drainage in northwestern Arkansas (Robison and Buchanan 1988). Cashner and Suttkus (1977) reported the two known records from the Osage River in Missouri likely represent introductions (three specimens from two locations). Cross et al. (1986) listed the lower Missouri River drainage (= Osage) as an area where this species was introduced.
Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Ambloplites constellatus are found here.
Table last updated 4/19/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
* HUCs are not listed for states where the observation(s) cannot be approximated to a HUC (e.g. state centroids or Canadian provinces).
Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked for sport. Distributed by the Arkansas state fish hatchery at Centerton before it was determined to be a separate species from A. rupestris (Cashner and Suttkus 1977; Robison and Buchanan 1988). Stock from this species native range was also used in stocking drainages around Missouri (Cashner and Suttkus 1977).
Status: There is no evidence of established populations in nonnative areas (Page and Burr 1991). The two records from the Osage are decades old with none reported since.
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.
Other Resources:
Cashner, R.C., and R.D. Suttkus.
Ambloplites constellatus, a new species of rock bass from the Ozark upland of Arkansas and Missouri with a review of western rock bass populations. American Midland Naturalist 98(1):147-161.
Cross, F.B., R.L. Mayden, and J.D. Stewart. Fishes in the western Mississippi basin (Missouri, Arkansas and Red Rivers). 363-412 in C.H. Hocutt and E.O. Wiley, eds. The zoogeography of North American freshwater fishes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.
Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister, and J.R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC.
Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Guide Series, vol. 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.
Pflieger, W. 1997. The fishes of Missouri. Missouri Department of Environmental Conservation, Jefferson City, MO.
Robison, H.W., and T.M. Buchanan. 1998. Fishes of Arkansas. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville, AR.
FishBase Summary
Author:
Fuller, P.
Revision Date: 4/30/2018
Peer Review Date: 10/3/2011
Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2024, Ambloplites constellatus Cashner and Suttkus, 1977: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=372, Revision Date: 4/30/2018, Peer Review Date: 10/3/2011, Access Date: 4/19/2024
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.
