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: Spotted Seatrout

Synonyms and Other Names: (speckled seatrout).

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Hoese and Moore (1977); Manooch (1984); Robins and Ray (1986); Howells (1992b).

Size: 125 cm.

Native Range: Marine. New York to southern Florida and entire Gulf of Mexico (Robins and Ray 1986).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: It was stocked by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the 1970s and 1980s as a sportfish (Lasswell et al. 1979; Howells 1991; Howells and Garrett 1992).

Status: Because there has been no reproduction, it was predicted that the inland population in Texas would die out due to natural mortality and fishing (Howells and Garrett 1992). This species 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: The Texas stockings totaled 78,092 fish (Howells and Garrett 1992). Sublette et al. (1990) included this species in their list of "fishes introduced into New Mexico, now considered extirpated." However, they provided no additional information.

References: (click for full references)

Howells, R.G. 1991. Identification of orangemouth corvina, spotted seatrout and their hybrids. Management Data Series No. 57. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Fisheries Division, Austin, TX.

Howells, R.G., and G.P. Garrett. 1992. Status of some exotic sport fishes in Texas waters. Texas Journal of Science 44(3):317-324.

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

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 4/11/2006

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.