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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.




Lucania goodei
Lucania goodei
(Bluefin Killifish)
Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Lucania goodei Jordan, 1880

Common name: Bluefin Killifish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Menhinick (1991); Page and Burr (1991); Mettee et al. (1996).

Size: 5 cm.

Native Range: Throughout Florida, except in panhandle only as far west as Choctawhatchee River drainage and southeastern Alabama in Chipola River drainage (Page and Burr 1991); sporadically along Atlantic Coast as far north as central South Carolina (where possibly introduced).

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 Lucania goodei are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA198020214Lower Sacramento; San Diego; Santa Monica Bay; Upper Mokelumne
NC199120052Lower Cape Fear; Northeast Cape Fear
SC197520211Cooper
TX199820237Aransas Bay; Buffalo-San Jacinto; East San Antonio Bay; Lower Guadalupe; Navasota; Richland; West Matagorda Bay

Table last updated 4/19/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Unknown. Based on meristics, the South Carolina population came from Florida (Christie and Curtis 1983). The Texas population was most likely introduced with shipments of aquatic nursery plants from Florida.

Status: Established in California, 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 isolated population near Wilmington, North Carolina, is similar to the isolated population of Heterandria formosa, another species listed by Menhinick (1991) as introduced. These similar distributions could indicate a shared transport event, or alternatively, a shared refugium (Starnes, personal communication).

References: (click for full references)

Christie R. W., and T. A. Curtis. 1983. Establishment of bluefin killifish, Lucania goodei, in Cooper River, South Carolina. Georgia Journal of Science 41(3):91-92.

Gallaway, B.J., R.G. Fechhelm, and R.G. Howells. 2008. Introduction of the bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) in Texas. Texas J. Sci. 60(1): 69-72.

Huang, D., R.N. Lea, and J. Wolf. 2003. Occurrence of the bluefin killifish, Lucania goodei, in the San Dieguito River, southern California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences. 102: 46-49.

Lee, D. S., C. R. Gilbert, C. H. Hocutt, R. E. Jenkins, D. E. McAllister, and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980 et seq. Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, North Carolina. 867 pp.

Loyacano, H.A., Jr. 1975. A list of freshwater fishes of South Carolina. Bulletin of the South Carolina Experimental Station 580:1-8.

Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 227 pp.

Page, L. M., and B. M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series, Volume 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

FishBase Summary

Author: Fuller, P.

Revision Date: 6/14/2019

Peer Review Date: 6/25/2008

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2024, Lucania goodei Jordan, 1880: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=696, Revision Date: 6/14/2019, Peer Review Date: 6/25/2008, Access Date: 4/20/2024

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 [4/20/2024].

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