Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Black Tilapia (Oreochromis placidus) - 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.

Oreochromis placidus, Black Tilapia, is a fish native to southeastern Africa. Numerous U.S. States prohibit or restrict the trade, possession, or use of this species. It has not been reported as introduced outside its native range, so history of invasiveness of O. placidus is classified as uncertain. There is a commercial fishery for this species within its native range. The climate match of Oreochromis placidus to the contiguous United States is medium overall with high climate match occurring in southern Florida, far southern Texas, southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Certainty of assessment is low due to lack of information. Overall risk posed by this species is uncertain.