Disclaimer:

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.

---

Common name: Spotfin Mojarra

Synonyms and Other Names: silver mojarra

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Miller and Lea (1972); Eschmeyer et al. (1983); Fischer et al. (1995).

Size: 20 cm.

Native Range: Marine; Anaheim Bay in southern California to Peru (Miller and Lea 1972; Eschmeyer et al. 1983; Fischer et al. 1995) in the Pacific; New Jersey, Bermuda, and northern Gulf of Mexico to southeastern Brazil (Ramirez-Hernández and Gonzales Pages 1976; Robins and Ray 1986) in the Atlantic.
 

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked four times during 1950-1951. Two of those stockings contained only one fish; a third one contained less than 12. All stock was obtained from San Felipe, Mexico (Walker et al. 1961).

Status: The introduction failed to produce a viable population and the species is extirpated in the Salton Sea.

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.

References: (click for full references)

Dill, W.A., and A.J. Cordone. 1997. History and status of introduced fises in California, 1871-1996. Calilfornia Department of Fish and Game. Fish Bulletin 178.

Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald, and H. Hamann. 1983. A field guide to Pacific Coast fishes of North America. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA.

Fischer, W., F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K.E. Carpenter, and V.H. Niem. 1995. Guía FAO para la identificatión de especies para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico centro-oriental. Volumen II. Vertebrados - Parte 1. Vol. II: 647-1200. Roma, FAO.

Miller, D.J., and R.N. Lea. 1972. Guide to the coastal marine fishes of California. Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 157:1-235.

Ramirez-Hernández, E. and A. Gonzales Pages. 1976. Catalogo de peces marinos Mexicanos. Mexico, D. F.: Secretaría de Industia y Comercio, Instituto Nacional de Pesca.

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

Walker, B.W., R.R. Whitney, and G.W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. 77-92 in B.W. Walker, ed. The ecology of the Salton Sea, California, in relation to the sport fishery of California. Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 113.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 6/19/2000

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.