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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.




Nematistius pectoralis
Nematistius pectoralis
(Roosterfish)
Marine Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Nematistius pectoralis Gill, 1862

Common name: Roosterfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

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

Size: 122 cm.

Native Range: Marine; San Clemente in southern California to Peru, including Galapagos Islands: rare north of Baja (Eschmeyer et al. 1983; Nelson 1994; Fischer et al. 1995).


Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: A single roosterfish was introduced into Salton Sea, California, in 1950 (Walker et al. 1961; Dill and Cordone 1997).

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 Nematistius pectoralis are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA195019501Salton Sea

Table last updated 11/22/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked.

Status: The introduction failed (not surprisingly) 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: None.

References: (click for full references)

Dill, W.A., and A.J. Cordone. 1997. History and status of introduced fises in California, 1871-1996. Calilfornia Department of Fish and Game. Fish Bulletin 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.

Fischer, W., F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K.E. Carpenter, and V.H. Niem. 1995. Guía FAO para la identificatión de especies para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico centro-oriental. Volumen III. Vertebrados - Parte 2. Vol. III: 1201-1813. Roma, FAO.

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.

Nelson, J.S. 1994. Fishes of the world, 3rd edition. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

Walker, B.W., R.R. Whitney, and G.W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. 77-92 in B. W. Walker, ed. 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.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary

Author: Fuller, P.

Revision Date: 4/30/2018

Peer Review Date: 5/17/2000

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2024, Nematistius pectoralis Gill, 1862: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=792, Revision Date: 4/30/2018, Peer Review Date: 5/17/2000, Access Date: 11/22/2024

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.

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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 [11/22/2024].

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