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.

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Common name: Gulf Flounder

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Hoese and Moore (1998); Manooch (1984); Robins and Ray (1986).

Size: 38 cm.

Native Range: Marine. Western Atlantic from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico and Panama, including the Bahamas (Robins and Ray 1986; Boschung 1992).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Intentional, authorized stocking for sportfishing (Luebke 1978).

Status: The introduction failed to produce a viable population and the species is extirpated in Alcoa Lake (Luebke 1978).

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)

Boschung, H.T. 1992. Catalogue of freshwater and marine fishes of Alabama. Alabama Museum of Natural History Bulletin 14:1-266.

Hoese, H.D. and R.H. Moore. 1998.  Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas, Louisiana, and Adjacent Waters. 2nd Edition. Texas A & M University Press, College Station, TX.

Luebke, R.W. 1978. Evaluation of a multi-predator introduction. Federal Aid Project F-31-R-4.

Manooch, C.S. 1984. Fisherman's guide, fishes of the southwestern United States. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC.

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

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 12/5/2011

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.