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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.




Notropis rubricroceus
Notropis rubricroceus
(Saffron Shiner)
Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Notropis rubricroceus (Cope, 1868)

Common name: Saffron Shiner

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994).

Size: 8.4 cm.

Native Range: Mountainous area drained by upper Tennessee River drainage, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee; headwaters of Santee and Savannah rivers, North Carolina (Page and Burr 1991).

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe NS logo
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
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 Notropis rubricroceus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
NC196920173Upper Broad; Upper Catawba; Upper New
VA196319942Kanawha; Upper New

Table last updated 12/5/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Probable bait bucket release or stock contamination (with bass or trout) from hatchery in upper Holston system (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). First found in upper New drainage, Virginia, in 1963. Became widespread soon afterwards (Jenkins and Burkhead 1994).

Status: Established in North Carolina and 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: There is uncertainty concerning the native versus nonindigenous distribution of this species. In his summary table on North Carolina fishes, Menhinick (1991) listed this species as "probably introduced" to the New, Broad, and Catawba river drainages; he listed it as "native and probably introduced" to the Tennessee River drainage (presumably meaning that he regarded it as native to one part of that drainage and introduced into another part); and he listed it as "native but possibly introduced" to the Savannah drainage. In their summary table on Virginia fishes, Jenkins and Burkhead (1994) listed it as "introduced, but possibly native" to the New (Kanawha) drainage. Hocutt et al. (1986) also listed it has "introduced, but possibly native" in the Kanawha above the falls; however, they commented that its historical absence in collections may have been due to inadequate sampling. Tsai and Raney (1974) stated that N. rubricroceus may have entered the Savannah River drainage of the Atlantic Slope via stream capture. Lee et al. (1980 et seq.) and Swift et al. (1986) noted that this species was probably native to the headwaters of the Savannah and Santee river drainages. Similarly, Starnes and Etnier (1986) indicated that this species was present naturally in the Savannah and Santee drainages because of stream capture. We have chosen to represent it as native to the Savannah.
Voucher specimens: Virginia (AMNH 69305, 69312).

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary

Author: Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller

Revision Date: 7/2/2019

Peer Review Date: 9/28/1999

Citation Information:
Leo Nico, and Pam Fuller, 2024, Notropis rubricroceus (Cope, 1868): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=609, Revision Date: 7/2/2019, Peer Review Date: 9/28/1999, Access Date: 12/6/2024

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 [12/6/2024].

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