Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Cuchia (Ophichthys cuchia) - Uncertain Risk

Ophichthys cuchia, Cuchia, is a fish that is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. This species has multiple common names and may be mistaken for other species within the Synbranchidae family. It prefers open waters such as ponds, canals and swamps and can breathe air. Ophichthys cuchia is in trade around the world as a food commodity. It is prevalent in the live fish markets of the United States. It has become established in both Louisiana and Texas, however there was no information found on impacts from these introduced populations. The States of Louisiana, Utah, Texas, and Tennessee prohibit the possession of all species in the Synbranchidae family while Nevada lists species in the Monopterus genus as injurious. The History of Invasiveness for Ophichthys cuchia is classified as Data Deficient due to the lack of information regarding impacts of introductions. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. The highest climate matches centered around where Ophichthys cuchia is already established in the Gulf Coast region. Climate match was low across the entire western portion of the United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the lack of information regarding impacts from introductions of this species. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Ophichthys cuchia in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.

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.