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: Pirate Perch

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Smith (1985); Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993); Jenkins and Burkhead (1994). Two subspecies: Aphredoderus s. sayanus and A. s. gibbosus (Smith 1985; Boltz and Stauffer 1993; Etnier and Starnes 1993).

Size: 14 cm.

Native Range: Atlantic and Gulf Slopes from Long Island, New York, to Colorado river drainage, Texas; Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins from Michigan, Wisconsin, and southern Minnesota to the Gulf. Isolated populations in Lakes Ontario and Erie drainages, New York (Page and Burr 1991). Aphredoderus s. saynus is native to the Atlantic Coast drainages; A. s. gibbosus is native to the Mississippi Valley; and Gulf Coastal populations are considered to be intergrades (Boltz and Stauffer 1993).

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 introduction. Becker (1983) noted that populations are widely separated and stated that it seems probable that the Wisconsin records from the Embarrass River and the upper Wisconsin system, resulted from introductions. He did not suggest a possible means of introduction.

Status: Established in Wisconsin outside what is considered its native range.

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.

References: (click for full references)

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

Boltz, J. M., and J. R. Stauffer, Jr. 1993. Systematics of Aphreoderus sayanus (Teleostei: Aphredoderidae). Copeia 1993(1):81-98.

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

Jenkins, R. E., and N. M. Burkhead. 1994. Freshwater fishes of Virginia. 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.

Smith, C. L. 1985. The inland fishes of New York state. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY. 522 pp.

Wetzel, M.J., K.S. Cummings, D.A. Carney, and P.A. Ceas. 1987. Survey of Embarras River mussels (Mollusca: Unionidae) and fishes at the FAS/BRS 705 (Illinois Route 49) bridge north of STE. Marie, Jasper County, Illinois.  Section of Faunistic Surveys and Insect Identification Technical Report. Final Report to Illinois Department of Transportation. Illinois Natural History Survey. Technical Report 1987(1).  Available from: http://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/10407/inhsfauv01987i00001_opt.pdf?sequence=2

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 3/5/2011

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.