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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: Rock Wrasse

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Miller and Lea (1972); Thomson et al. (1979); Eschmeyer et al. (1983).

Size: 24 cm.

Native Range: Marine; Pt. Conception, California, to Guadalupe Island (off north-central Baja) and Gulf of California (Ramirez-Hernández and Gonzales Pages 1976; Eschmeyer et al. 1983).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked. Only two fish, obtained from San Felipe, Mexico, were stocked (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 fishes in California, 1871-1996. California Department of Fish and Game Fish Bulletin, volume 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.

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.

Thomson, D.A., L.T. Findley, and A.N. Kerstitch. 1979. Reef Fishes of the Sea of Cortez. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

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: 1/31/2012

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.