Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) - 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.

Mylopharyngodon piceus, Black Carp, is a fish that is native to many Pacific drainages of eastern Asia. Black carp inhabit large lowland rivers and lakes, with reproduction occurring exclusively in rivers. Mylopharyngodon piceus are primarily molluscivores and are often employed in aquaculture as a biocontrol agent for nuisance molluscs. M. piceus are also commercially fished in some locations. This species is regulated in most U.S. states and is currently listed federally as an injurious species. Potential impacts of introduction of Mylopharyngodon piceus include population declines of native mollusks due to predation, disease and parasite transfer, and competition with native benthic fishes. However, the History of Invasiveness for Mylopharyngodon piceus is classified as Data Deficient due to the lack of documentation of such impacts where nonnative populations are established. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern. Areas of highest match were located within the Mississippi River basin. Areas of lowest match were along the Pacific Coast. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the absence of research documenting impacts or lack of impacts of introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Mylopharyngodon piceus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.