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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.




Nocomis micropogon
Nocomis micropogon
(River Chub)
Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Nocomis micropogon (Cope, 1865)

Common name: River Chub

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

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

Size: 32 cm.

Native Range: Atlantic drainages from Susquehanna River, New York, to James River, Virginia; Great Lakes basin, New York to Michigan; Ohio River basin, New York to eastern Illinois and south to northern Georgia and Alabama, but absent in southwestern Indiana, western two-thirds of Kentucky, and most of western Tennessee (Page and Burr 1991).
Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe NS logo
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

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 Nocomis micropogon are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
GA199119912Middle Savannah; Upper Coosa
NC199120123Santee; Tugaloo; Upper Catawba
SC198620094Santee; Seneca; Tugaloo; Upper Savannah
VA194519452Middle New; Upper James

Table last updated 4/24/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Unknown; probable bait bucket releases.

Status: Established in Georgia, North Carolina, 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 literature is somewhat contradictory concerning the native versus nonnative distribution of this species. It has been suggested that this species is one of several involved that provide evidence for "multiple piracies" of the upper Tennessee by headwaters of the Santee and Savannah river drainages (Starnes and Etnier 1986). Likewise, Tsai and Raney (1974) stated that N. micropogon may have entered the Savannah River drainage of the Atlantic Slope via stream capture. Swift et al. (1986) listed the species as native to the Savannah and possibly introduced to the Tallapoosa drainage. However, Starnes and Etnier (1986) interpreted the presence of this species in restricted portions of the upper Mobile Basin as being the result of an accidental introduction. Hocutt et al. (1986) listed it as introduced to the Santee River drainage.

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:
FishBase Summary

Author: Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller

Revision Date: 1/4/2010

Peer Review Date: 1/4/2010

Citation Information:
Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller, 2024, Nocomis micropogon (Cope, 1865): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=577, Revision Date: 1/4/2010, Peer Review Date: 1/4/2010, Access Date: 4/25/2024

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.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [4/25/2024].

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