Occurs in central and southern Japan. Also recorded from Lake Biwa (Ref. 78994). Entered the country as a gift to the prince (now emperor Akihito) by the mayor of Chicago in 1960. Now present in most ponds and lakes in the country. Their spread throughout the country probably had something to do with the rise of game fishing in the 1970s. They feed on young of some native fishes, threatening the survival of several species such as tanago and honmoroko. Lake Biwa catch for native species has dropped from more than 8000 tons in 1972 to 2174 tons in 2000 while experts estimate catch of exotic species (black bass and bluegill exceed 3000 tons (Ref. 45327). Also Ref. 6094, 53301.