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.

---

Common name: Crescent Shiner

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Gilbert (1964); Page and Burr (1991); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994); another commonly used name is Notropis cerasinus.

Size: 11 cm.

Native Range: Upper and middle Roanoke (and adjacent tributaries of Meherrin River-Chowan River system), and New River drainage, Virginia and North Carolina (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

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

Means of Introduction: Probable bait bucket release in Virginia, possible bait bucket release (or a natural stream capture) in North Carolina. The earliest record for Virginia was from 1965 in the Jennings Creek system of the middle James River drainage (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). Abbott et al. (1977) stated that the presence of this species in Holiday Creek (Appomattox drainage) probably resulted from a bait bucket release into Holiday Lake, a recreational impoundment.

Status: Established in Virginia (in lower Barbours Creek, James drainage). Reported from North Carolina and from other areas of Virginia.

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 earliest record from the Cape Fear drainage is from 1959 from the upper Haw system in Virginia; the earliest North Carolina Cape Fear records are from 1968 (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). In their summary table of Virginia fishes, Jenkins and Burkhead (1994) listed this species as "regarded as introduced, possibly native" for the James River drainage (Atlantic Slope) and the New River drainage (Ohio River basin). Contrary to the opinions of several other authors (i.e., Page and Burr 1991; Jenkins and Burkhead 1994), Gilbert (1980) argued that cerasinus is not native to the New River system of Virginia. He noted that the species was first reported from that system about 40 years ago. Since that time this shiner has exhibited the rapid dispersal and expanded range so typical of other fishes introduced into the New system (Gilbert, personal communication).

Other Resources:

Author: Nico, L.

Peer Review Date: 7/5/2000

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.