Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Barred Bichir (Polypterus delhezi) - Uncertain Risk

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.

Barred Bichir (Polypterus delhezi) is a species of freshwater fish native to the Congo River basin in Africa. This species is predatory and an air breather. It is widely used in the ornamental trade. However, no information on the volume or duration of time in trade was found. The history of invasiveness is uncertain. A single record of introduction was found. The introduction occurred in Florida and did not result in an established population. The climate match for the contiguous United States is low. There were areas of medium match in Louisiana and medium to high match in Florida. The certainty of assessment is low due to lack of information on impacts. The overall risk assessment category is uncertain.