Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Blackstripe Topminnow (Fundulus notatus) - Uncertain Risk

Fundulus notatus, Blackstripe Topminnow, is a freshwater fish that is native to the south-central and southeastern regions of the contiguous United States, along the Gulf coast from Texas to Alabama and up the Mississippi River to the Midwest region, and into southern Ontario, Canada. F. notatus is found in quiet surface waters such as pools of creeks and streams, ponds, lakes and swamps and prefer areas with submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation. They are tolerant of high temperatures and low oxygenated waters. They are not often targeted by anglers but are common in the aquarium trade. F. notatus has been introduced to watersheds adjacent to its native range. The History of Invasiveness for F. notatus is classified as Data Deficient due a lack of information regarding impacts of introductions. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. Areas of high match were found in the south-central and southeastern regions, along the Gulf coast, and spanning upward to the Midwest regions of the United States, which encompasses this species’ native range. The Certainty of Assessment is classified as Low due to lack of information regarding impacts of introduction and trade. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Fundulus notatus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.