Threatened Freshwater Fishes of the United States

Abstract

Threatened, native freshwater fishes are listed for 49 of the 50 U.S. States, the first such compilation. Over 300 kinds are included in a formal classification, cross‐indexed to states (Table 1), followed by state lists and the status of each fish, whether rare, endangered, depleted, or undetermined. The concern for native fishes and the important factors responsible for threats to their existence are briefly outlined. Although the lists vary from those based on extensive recent state surveys to others in which current information is sparse, publication is expected to enhance the chances for survival through protective legislation (already enacted by a number of states) and stronger concern for such natural resources.