Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.
African Butter Catfish (Schilbe mystus) is native to many of the large river systems in Western Africa and the Nile River system. S. mystus is used for food and supports a commercial fishery; it is also found in the aquarium industry. At one point S. mystus was considered to be more widely spread in Africa but it is now known that many populations, particularly those in southern Africa, belong to other Schilbe species. The history of invasiveness is uncertain. Only one confirmed record of introduction (to China) was found and it is unknown if that became an established population. No information on any impacts from that introduction were found. The overall climate match is medium. Areas of high match could be found in the southwest and far southern Florida. The certainty of assessment is low due to the lack of information on introductions and impacts. The overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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