Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Blackchin Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Sarotherodon melanotheron, Blackchin Tilapia, is a tropical cichlid fish native to the western coast of Africa. This species inhabits brackish lagoons and estuaries in its native range, but it is tolerant of a wide range of salinities. S. melanotheron has been introduced outside of its native range and has become established in the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States. Within the United States, it is established in both brackish and freshwater environments in Florida and Hawaii. Negative impacts have been reported from those introductions such as reduction in biodiversity through competition, overgrazing of aquatic vegetation, and reduced catches in target fisheries. S. melanotheron was introduced to the United States via aquaculture and
aquarium pathways. S. melanotheron is regulated in several U.S. States. The History of Invasiveness for S. melanotheron is classified as High due to multiple established nonnative populations resulting in reported negative impacts. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. The highest climate matches in the contiguous United States were located in Florida and along the Southern Atlantic Coast. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the reliable information on negative impacts of established populations. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for S. melanotheron in the contiguous United States is High.