Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Ecological Risk Screening Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Cichlasoma bimaculatum, Black Acara, is a freshwater fish native to Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, western French Guiana, and northern Brazil. It is a generalist omnivore that feeds on crustaceans, insects, smaller fish, and fish eggs. This species was introduced to Florida through the aquarium trade in the 1960s, when it was a popular aquarium fish being raised commercially there. Although C. bimaculatum is present in the aquarium trade today, it may not be as abundant in trade as it once was. This species is regulated in Hawaii. The History of Invasiveness for Cichlasoma bimaculatum is classified as Data Deficient due to the limited information regarding the ecological impacts of introductions. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern. The highest climate matches were found in Florida, where the species is already established, and in the coastal southeastern United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low, reflecting the limited and conflicting data on impacts of introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Cichlasoma bimaculatum in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.