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.

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Common name: Blackside Darter

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Becker (1983); Smith (1985); Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993).

Size: 11 cm.

Native Range: Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and Mississippi River basins from southern Ontario and New York to southeastern Saskatchewan and south to Louisiana; Gulf drainages from Mobile Bay, Alabama to Calcasieu River, Louisiana (Page and Burr 1991). Populations in North Carolina have been described as P. gymnocephala.

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: Unknown; possible bait bucket release; although Becker (1983) reported it is not a bait fish.

Status: Collected only once from the upper Red Cedar drainage prior to 1935 (Becker 1983). Recently introduced into the upper St. Croix-Namekagon (Becker 1983), where it is apparently established.

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)

Becker, G.C. 1983. Fishes of Wisconsin. University of Madison Press, Madison, WI.

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

Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. The Peterson Guide Series, vol. 42. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Smith, C.L. 1985. The inland fishes of New York State. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.

Other Resources:
Texas Freshwater Fishes (Texas State University San Marcos)

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 8/8/2011

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.