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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: Chinese fine-scaled loach

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: A few distinguishing characteristics were given by Nichols (1943). The genus Misgurnus is in need of systematic review. Many, possibly all, of the subspecies of M. mizolepis recognized by Nichols should be considered suspect. Kottelat (2012) has assigned this species to Paramisgurnus dabryanus. Illustrations or photographs appeared in Nichols (1943) and Axelrod et al. (1985).

Size: 21 cm.

Native Range: Eastern Asia: China, Korea, Taiwan (Nichols 1943).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release (Logan et al. 1996).

Status: Failed in Oregon. Subsequent sampling in the Powder River drainage has yielded no more specimens (D. Logan, personal communication).

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: Identification of the Oregon specimen was tentatively verified as this species by M. Kottelat (D. Logan, personal communication). Kottelat (2012) synonymized all of the subspecies of M. mizolepis presented by Nichols (1943) to M. anguillicaudatus, and synonymized M. mizolepis with Paramisgurnus dabryanus; this specimen thus represents one of these two taxa. Voucher specimen: Oregon (OS 08671).

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Logan, D. - Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.

Logan, D.J., E.L. Bibles, and D.F. Markle. 1996. Recent collections of continental exotic aquarium fishes in Oregon and thermal tolerance of Oriental weatherfish and pirapatinga. California Fish and Game 82(2):66-80.

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:

Author: Nico, L.G., Fuller, P., and Neilson, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 4/6/2015

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.