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.
The history of invasiveness is not documented. This species has been introduced outside of its native range, however all introductions were intentional. There were no records of this species being introduced through unintentional means. One study did show Lates calcarifer to have an impact on the behavior of native forage species through predation (Pusey et al. no date); L. calcarifer was intentionally introduced for sport fishing in this location. The climate match is medium with the areas of highest match in southern Florida and Texas. The certainty of assessment is medium. The overall risk assessment category is Uncertain. One of the two areas that have higher climate matches, Florida, has already placed significant restrictions on the possession of live specimens of the species, precluding the presence of it in the aquaculture industry or introductions for a sport fishery.
Publication date
Type of document
Uncertain Risk
Program
