Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) - Uncertain Risk

Ictiobus niger, Black Buffalo, is a freshwater fish that is native to the Mississippi River basin from Ohio to South Dakota and south to the Gulf coast of Louisiana, as well as the Rio Grande basin from New Mexico to Texas and Mexico. I. niger is commonly found in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and impoundments as well as backwaters and pools of small to large rivers. They are
often targeted by anglers, stocked for sport and aquaculture purposes, but are known to be found in the aquarium trade. I. niger has been introduced outside of its native range, and some introductions have resulted in established populations. The History of Invasiveness is classified as Data Deficient due to minimal information regarding impacts of introduction. Arkansas and Virginia restrict this species while California restricts all species within the genus Ictiobus. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. High matches were found in most areas east of the Rocky Mountains except for the Northeast and Florida. In the Rocky Mountains and to the west it was a mix of medium and low matches. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to lack of information regarding impacts of introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Ictiobus niger in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.