Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum) - 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. This additional information will help inform decisions on where, when, and how the species may be used to minimize risks of them becoming invasive.

Cichlasoma bimaculatum is a South American cichlid fish that has been established in Florida since the mid-twentieth century. Despite early concern over effects of its introduction in Florida, more recent studies and reviews have concluded that the species has not had substantial impacts on native species or ecosystems. The only source cited that reported a tangible impact was an unpublished PhD thesis from 1976 that was not accessible during the writing of this report. C. bimaculatum, along with many other fish species, is a host of mycobacterial pathogens with zoonotic potential. Climate match of C. bimaculatum to the contiguous U.S. was medium. Without more conclusive evidence of impacts of C. bimaculatum introduction in Florida, overall risk assessment is uncertain.