Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Cichla pinima (a South American cichlid, no common name) - 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 additional information will help inform decisions on where, when, and how the species may be used to minimize risks of them becoming invasive.

Cichla pinima is native to parts of Brazil. The species has been introduced to reservoirs and river basins within Brazil where it is not native, and it has become established in at least some locations. The prevalence of fish in the diet of introduced C. pinima is cause for concern for one author, but little information is available to quantify impacts on native species where C. pinima has been introduced. Climate match to the contiguous United States is medium, with southern Florida having a high climate match. Without further information on impacts of introduction, certainty of the assessment is low and overall risk posed by C. pinima is uncertain.