NAS - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

water

Fish

NAS logo - click to go to the NAS home page Fish (Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata) are found in all types of aquatic environments, from fresh to salt water. Common methods of introduction include intentional and accidental stocking, release of bait fish, release of unwanted aquarium fish, escape from aquaculture facilities, and discharge of ballast water. Potential impacts include competition with native species for food and habitat, reduction of natives by predation, transmission of diseases or parasites, and habitat alteration. One example is the inland silversides, Menidia beryllina, which was illegally introduced into Clear Lake, California, as a nutrient reservoir for bluegreen algae blooms and to reduce the Clear Lake gnat and chironomid midge populations. As a result of this introduction, the silversides have competitively displaced several native fish species, including the now extinct Clear Lake splittail.
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Data Queries and Species Lists

Fish Picture Data Queries
Species List of Nonindigenous Fish
(links to factsheets and collection information)

Links to News and Other Information

Nonindigenous Fishes Book - Ordering Information
Nonindigenous Fishes Bibliography
Thinking of releasing your aquarium pet...think again! (Information on the release of exotic fish)
AFS - Introduced Fish Section
Field Guide to Nonindigenous Marine Fishes of Florida
Snakehead Biological Synopsis and Risk Assessment (PDF, 7.60 MB*)

*Note: Links marked with an asterisk (*) are in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar software is required to view these documents.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logoU.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://nas.er.usgs.gov
Page Contact Information: Pam Fuller - NAS Program (pfuller@usgs.gov)
Page Last Modified: Monday, October 15, 2012

Disclaimer:

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. [2013]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [2/15/2013].

Additional information for authors