Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.
The history of invasiveness is high. Pterygoplichthys pardalis has been introduced to several countries in Southeast Asia, India, Puerto Rico, and the contiguous United States. Within the U.S., populations have established in Florida, North Carolina (in thermally altered waters), and California. Negative impacts on the economics of local fishermen, populations of native fish, and nutrient cycling were documented. This species has a medium climate match with the contiguous U.S. The certainty of assessment is high. Overall risk for this species is high.
Publication date
Type of document
High Risk
Program
