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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: Large scale loach

Synonyms and Other Names: Paramisgurnus dabryanus Sauvage, 1878; Misgurnus mizolepis Günther, 1888; Misgurnus oligolepos Chen, Shen & Li, 1994.

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Paramisgurnus dabryanus is distinct from all North American native freshwater fishes. Paramisgurnus dabryanus can be distinguished from Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (another loach popular in the aquarium trade) by the size of the crests on the caudal peduncle (high vs. low in M. anguillicaudatus), shape of the lamina circularis (bony process or scale at the base of the first and second pectoral fin rays), and lack of dark spot at the upper portion of caudal fin base (vs. presence in M. anguillicaudatus; Kottelat and Freyhof, 2002)

Native Range: China (Nichols, 1943; Kottelat, 2012)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release.

Status: Unknown.

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: Due to recent synonymy (Kottelat, 2012), collection records for Misgurnus mizolepis in the U.S. may be either P. dabryanus or M. anguillicaudatus.

References: (click for full references)

Kottelat, M. 2012. Conspectus Cobitidum: an inventory of the loaches of the world (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitoidei). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement 26:1-199.

Kottelat, M., and J. Freyhof. 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes. Publications Kottelat, Cornol, Switzerland.

Nichols, J. T. 1943. The freshwater fishes of China. Natural history of Central Asia volume IX. The American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Paramisgurnus dabryanus

Author: Neilson, M.E.

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.