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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: Bairdiella

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Walker et al. (1961); Page and Burr (1991).

Size: 30 cm.

Native Range: Marine. Pacific Coast south from Almejas Bay, east of Isla Santa Margarita, Baja California (Page and Burr 1991).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: In 1950, 57 bairdiella were stocked in the Salton Sea, California; in 1951, an additional 10 fish were stocked (Walker et al. 1961). By 1953, millions were present. This species was introduced as a sport fish and as forage for another introduced sciaenid, the Orangemouth Corvina Cynoscion xanthulus (Walker et al. 1961).

Status: Bairdiella quickly became established as one of the dominant species found in the Salton Sea, but became extirpated around 2003 due to increasing salinity (Page et al. 2013; J. Crayon, California Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). It is extirpated in New Mexico (Sublette et al. 1990).

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: Sublette et al. (1990) did not provide details concerning the New Mexico introduction.

References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., D.A. Hensley, J.N. Taylor, and J.A. McCann. 1984. Distribution of exotic fishes in the continental United States. Pages 41-77 in W.R. Courtenay, Jr., and J.R. Stauffer, Jr., eds. Distribution, biology and management of exotic fishes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., D.P. Jennings, and J.D. Williams. 1991. Appendix 2: exotic fishes. Pages 97-107 in Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea, and W.B. Scott. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada, 5th edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 20. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

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

Page, L.M., H. Espinosa-Pérez, L.T. Findlay, C.R. Gilbert, R.N. Lea, N.E. Mandrak, R.L. Mayden, and J.S. Nelson. 2013. Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 7th edition. American Fisheries Society Special Publicatin 34. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Sublette, J.E., M.D. Hatch, and M. Sublette. 1990. The fishes of New Mexico. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM.

Walker, B.W., R.R. Whitney, and G.W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. Pages 77-91 in Walker, B.W., ed. The ecology of the Salton Sea, California, in relation to the sportfishery. Fish Bulletin No. 113. California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 3/5/2014

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.