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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: Anchoveta

Synonyms and Other Names: Pacific anchoveta

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Miller and Lea (1972); Eschmeyer et al. (1983); Whitehead et al. (1988); Fischer et al. (1995a).

Size: 18 cm.

Native Range: Marine; Southern California to Peru; rare north of southern Baja (Eschmeyer et al. 1983; Whitehead et al. 1988; Fischer et al. 1995a).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Several thousand fish were intentionally stocked as forage.

Status: The introduction failed to produce a viable population and the species is extirpated in the Salton Sea.

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: This species' occurrence off California may be due to introductions by tuna bait boats (Miller and Lea (1972).

References: (click for full references)

Dill, W. A., and A. J. Cordone. 1997. History and status of introduced fishes in California, 1871--1996. Manuscript for Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 178.

Eschmeyer, W. N., E. S. Herald, and H. Hamann. 1983. A field guide to Pacific Coast fishes of North America. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA.

Miller, D. J., and R. N. Lea. 1972. Guide to the coastal marine fishes of California. Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 157:1--235.

Fischer, W., F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K. E. Carpenter, V. H. Niem. 1995a. Guía FAO para la identificatión de especies para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico centro-oriental. Volumen II. Vertebrados - Parte 1. Vol. II: 647--1200. Roma, FAO.

Walker, B. W., R. R. Whitney, and G. W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. Pages 77--92 in B. W. Walker, editor. The ecology of the Salton Sea, California, in relation to the sport fishery of California. Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 113.

Whitehead, J. P., G. J. Nelson, and T. Wongratana. 1988. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 7. Clupeoid Fishes of the World (Suborder Clupeoidei). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the herrings, sardines, pilchards, sprats, anchovies and wolf-herrings. Part 2 -- Engraulidae. FAO Fisheries Synopsis (125) Vol. 7, Pt. 2:305--579.

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 12/5/2003

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.