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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.




Cynoscion nebulosus
Cynoscion nebulosus
(Spotted Seatrout)
Marine Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830)

Common name: Spotted Seatrout

Synonyms and Other Names: (speckled seatrout).

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Hoese and Moore (1977); Manooch (1984); Robins and Ray (1986); Howells (1992b).

Size: 125 cm.

Native Range: Marine. New York to southern Florida and entire Gulf of Mexico (Robins and Ray 1986).


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 Cynoscion nebulosus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
NM19901990*
TX195519923East Galveston Bay; Lower Colorado-Cummins; Upper San Antonio

Table last updated 11/5/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.

* HUCs are not listed for states where the observation(s) cannot be approximated to a HUC (e.g. state centroids or Canadian provinces).


Means of Introduction: It was stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the 1970s and 1980s as a sportfish (Lasswell et al. 1979; Howells 1991; Howells and Garrett 1992).

Status: Because there has been no reproduction, it was predicted that the inland population in Texas would die out due to natural mortality and fishing (Howells and Garrett 1992). This species is extirpated in New Mexico (Sublette et al. 1990).

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 Texas stockings totaled 78,092 fish (Howells and Garrett 1992). Sublette et al. (1990) included this species in their list of "fishes introduced into New Mexico, now considered extirpated." However, they provided no additional information.

References: (click for full references)

Howells, R.G. 1991. Identification of orangemouth corvina, spotted seatrout and their hybrids. Management Data Series No. 57. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Fisheries Division, Austin, TX.

Howells, R.G., and G.P. Garrett. 1992. Status of some exotic sport fishes in Texas waters. Texas Journal of Science 44(3):317-324.

Sublette, J.E., M.D. Hatch, and M. Sublette. 1990. The fishes of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary

Author: Fuller, P.

Revision Date: 4/29/2019

Peer Review Date: 4/11/2006

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2024, Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=948, Revision Date: 4/29/2019, Peer Review Date: 4/11/2006, Access Date: 11/5/2024

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 [11/5/2024].

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