Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Butterfly Splitfin (Ameca splendens) - 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.

This highly localized freshwater fish from central Mexico seems to be sensitive to pollution and environmental conditions and was thought to be extinct or nearly so in its native habitat. It was subsequently found in the same general area in Mexico. In the early 1980s, specimens of Ameca splendens were preserved from a small spring in Nevada; however, no additional specimens have been captured from this location, and the population is now thought to be extirpated. This species survives in captivity as part of the aquarium pet trade; therefore, risk for established populations in the United States exists. More information is needed to determine the range, status, and risk of this species to the United States. Overall risk for A. splendens is Uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Invasive species