Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) - 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.

Enneacanthus gloriosus, the Bluespotted Sunfish, is a freshwater fish that is native to the eastern and southeastern coastal regions of the contiguous United States. E. gloriosus is relatively small compared to other species of sunfish and commonly found in slow-moving creeks and rivers with sandy-muddy bottoms as well as vegetated lakes and ponds. They are not often targeted by anglers but are of interest to aquarium hobbyists. E. gloriosus has been introduced outside of its native range in parts of the Finger Lakes in New York and the lower Mississippi River basin. Arizona, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New Mexico regulate this species at the species, genus, or family level. The History of Invasiveness for E. gloriosus is classified as Data Deficient due to a lack of information regarding impacts of introduction. 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 from the Atlantic Coast to the Great Plains. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to lack of information regarding impacts of introduction and trade. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Enneacanthus gloriosus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.