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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: wiper

Synonyms and Other Names: sunshine bass, palmetto bass, whiterock

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Identifying features are provided in Ware (1975), Kerby (1979), Williams (1976), Etnier and Starnes (1993), and Mettee et al. (1996).

Size: 10.97 kg (record size).

Native Range: None; artificial hybrid.

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

Means of Introduction: Populations maintained through stocking programs. Alabama has stocked more than 18 million palmetto bass since 1974 (Mettee et al. 1996).

Status: Populations maintained through stocking programs.

Impact of Introduction: In the Savannah River, backcrossing to striped bass was observed (Avise and Van den Arvyle 1984). These hybrids also occasionally back cross with white bass (Avise and Van den Arvyle 1984; Etnier and Starnes 1993). The potential outcome of such mating includes loss of genetic integrity of the parent species or even the loss of a native species, subspecies, or of a unique population (Campton 1987). Sunshine bass apparently are backcrossing to parentals in the Ohio River, where this hybrid is very common (Burr, personal communication).

Remarks: The whiterock (wiper) is the result of crossing a female striped bass with a male white bass, and was first cultured in 1965. The sunshine bass, first produced in 1973, is the result of the reverse cross (Ware 1975; Kerby 1979). Most introductions are of the whiterock hybrid; however, a few sites have been stocked with sunshine bass, including some lakes in Florida (Ware 1975). These hybrids reportedly grow faster, survive better, and are caught more readily than striped bass (Ware 1975). However, they don't attain as large a size as do striped bass (Gilbert, personal communication). These hybrids occur naturally in Arkansas (Etnier and Starnes 1993). Law enforcement officers and fishermen have significant trouble distigushing the hybrid from the Striped and White basses. In an effort to solve this problem, Williams (1976) measured numerous specimens from South Carolina reservoirs and determined helpful distinguishing characteristics. He found that the number of patches of teeth on the tongue, ratio of fork length to body depth, and the ratio of body depth to head length can be used to distinguish the 3 species. The previous use of the "broken line syndrome" is not a reliable method of identification.

References: (click for full references)

Avise, J.C. and M.J. Van den Avyle. 1984. Genetic analysis of reproduction of hybrid white bass x striped bass in the Savannah River. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113(5):563-570.

Campton, D.E. 1987. Natural hybridization and introgression in fishes: methods of detection and genetic interpretion. Pages 161-192 in Ryman, N., and F. Utter, eds. Population genetics and fishery management. Washington Sea Grant and University of Washington Press. Seattle, WA.

Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Starnes. 1993. The Fishes of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Kerby, J.H. 1979. Meristic characters of two Morone hybrids. Copeia 1979(3):513-518.

Mettee, M.F., P.E. O'Neil, and J.M. Pierson. 1996. Fishes of Alabama and the Mobile Basin. Oxmoor House, Inc, Birmingham, AL.

Ware, F.J. 1975. Progress with Morone Hybrids in Fresh Water. Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of SE Assoc. of Game and Fish Commissioners. Nov. 17-20, 1974. 48-54.

Williams, H.M. 1976. Characteristics for Distinguishing White Bass, Striped Bass, and Thier Hybrid (Striped Bass x White Bass). Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference SE Assoc. of Game and Fish Commissioners.  October 12-15, 1975. 168-172.

Other Resources:
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=779 - Fact Sheet for Morone chrysops - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=787 - Fact Sheet for Morone saxatilis - USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 9/16/2011

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.