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.
Tilapia sparrmanii, the Banded Tilapia, is a tilapia native to southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). T. sparrmanii is used for aquaculture, as a forage fish for bass, stocking man-made lakes, and as a biological control for nuisance plants and animals. Tilapia sparrmanii can be infected by Aphanomyces invadans (epizootic ulcerative syndrome), an OIE-reportable disease. Tilapia sparrmanii is regulated in multiple U.S. States. T. sparrmanii has been introduced outside of its native range, where in some locations (Madagascar, South Africa and Japan) it has become established. In these areas, T. sparrmanii has begun to outcompete native fish for food. The history of invasiveness is classified as “data deficient.” The overall climate match was high. States along the United States and Mexico border were generally very high, with medium match found in the center of the country and along the coasts. The certainty of this assessment is medium. The overall risk assessment category for Tilapia sparrmanii is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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