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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: Alaska Blackfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Morrow (1980); Page and Burr (1991); Mecklenburg et al. (2002).

Size: 33 cm.

Native Range: Alaska, Colville River delta south to central Alaska Peninsula near Chignik and upstream in Yukon-Tanana drainage to Fairbanks vicinity. Also Bering Sea islands and northeastern Siberia (Page and Burr 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Occurs in low-lying lakes, bogs, and rivers with dense submerged and emergent vegetation (Blackett 1962). Blackfish can tolerate low levels of dissolved oxygen due to the modification of the esophagus as an air-breathing structure (Ostdiek and Nardone 1959; Crawford 1974). Blackfish primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates (ostracods, cladocerans, copepods) and insect larvae (ephemeropterans, hemipterans, dipterans, odonates), with snails and juvenile fishes (blackfish and pike) occasionally consumed (Chlupach 1975).

Means of Introduction: Accidental - presumably as stock contamination.

Status: Established in Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002).

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: This species was unsuccessfully introduced to southern Ontario, Canada in 1956 when individuals from the Kuskokwim River, Alaska were stocked in farm ponds in southern Ontario (Crossman 1984).

The Alaska Blackfish is a staple part of the diet of indigenous peoples of Alaska (Scott and Crossman 1973; Doug Hill, pers. comm.).

References: (click for full references)

Blackett, R.F. 1962. Some phases of the life history of the Alaskan blackfish, Dallia pectoralis. Copeia 1962(1):124-130

Chlupach, R.S. 1975. Studies of introduced blackfish in waters of southcentral Alaska. Annual Performance Report for Sport Fish Studies, volume 16, study G-II-K. Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Crawford, R.H. 1974. Structure of an air-breathing organ and the swim bladder in the Alaska blackfish, Dallia pectoralis Bean. Canadian Journal of Zoology 52:1221-1225.

Crossman, E.J. 1984. Introduction of exotic fishes into Canada. 78-101 in W.R. Courtenay, Jr. and J. R. Stauffer, Jr., eds. Distribution, Biology and Management of Exotic Fishes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland.

Hill, D. - pers. comm. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Palmer, AK. 27 January 2015

Mecklenburg, C.W., T.A. Mecklenburg, and L.K. Thornsteinson. 2002. Fishes of Alaska. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.

Morrow, J.E. 1980. The freshwater fishes of Alaska. Alaska Northwest Publishing Company, Anchorage, AK.

Ostdiek, J.L., and R.M. Nardone. 1959. Studies on the Alaskan blackfish Dallia pectoralis I. Habitat, size and stomach analyses. American Midland Naturalist 61:218-229.

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.

Scott, W.B., and E.J. Crossman. 1973. Freshwater fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Bulletin 184. Ottawa.

Other Resources:

Author: Pam Fuller, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 1/27/2015

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.