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considered to adversely impact the native fishes in the Colorado River <br />Basin (Hawkins and Nesler 1991). <br />6. Bluegill: The native distribution is in eastern and central North <br />America from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Bluegill have been <br />widely introduced in the Colorado River Basin in habitats similar to and <br />often in association with largemouth bass. Although, not stocked <br />directly into the mainstem rivers, fish that escape from standing waters <br />move into low velocity habitats (the same habitats used by young <br />endangered fishes). Their diet includes other fishes. Bluegill were <br />ranked 11th on the list of 28 nonnative fish species considered to <br />adversely impact the native fishes in the Colorado River Basin (Hawkins <br />and Nesler 1991). <br />7. Black crappie: The native distribution is along the Atlantic Coast <br />from Florida to Virginia, south along the Gulf Coast to central Texas, <br />north to North Dakota and east to the Appalachian Mountains. This <br />species has-been introduced in standing waters of the Upper Colorado <br />River Basin. Black crappie were not identified as a problem is 1991 by <br />Hawkins and Nesler, however recent capture of large numbers in nursery <br />areas in the Green River have raised concern about this piscivore (fish <br />eater). <br />8. Channel catfish: The native distribution of this species is <br />primarily the central drainages (Mississippi and Missouri rivers) of the <br />United States. Its native distribution may have also included portions <br />of the Atlantic Coast. This species has been introduced into the <br />mainstem rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds in the Upper Colorado <br />River. Their diet includes other fishes. Channel catfish were ranked <br />1st on the list of 28 nonnative fish species considered to adversely <br />impact the native fishes in the Colorado River Basin (Hawkins and Nesler <br />1991). <br />9. Red shiner: The native distribution is in the Mississippi and Gulf <br />drainages, from South Dakota through Illinois and from Louisiana <br />westward into northern Mexico. This fish became established throughout <br />the Colorado River basin primarily through bait bucket transfers (being <br />used as a baitfish, but released into a water where it did not <br />previously occur). Known to eat larvae (newly hatched) endangered <br />fishes. Red shiner were ranked 2nd on the-list of 28 nonnative fish <br />species considered to adversely impact the native fishes in the Colorado <br />River Basin (Hawkins and Nesler 1991). <br />10. Mosquitofish: Their native distribution is in the central United <br />States from southern Illinois and Indiana south to Veracruz, Mexico and <br />Florida, and north along Atlantic slope to southern New Jersey. This <br />fish has been introduced extensively in the Upper Basin for mosquito <br />control. Occurs in standing waters and low velocity river habitats. <br />Occasionally eats other fish, probably competes with native fishes for <br />food resources. Mosquitofish were ranked 8th on the list of 28 <br />nonnative fish species considered to adversely impact the native fishes <br />in the Colorado River Basin (Hawkins and Nesler 1991). <br />21