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.
Eastern Happy (Astatotilapia calliptera) is a cichlid species native to Africa. A. calliptera is sold for aquaria and used as a food fish, including commercial fishing. This species has been introduced to southern Florida, likely through aquarium release, and may be reproducing there, but the current status of this population is unknown as it has not been caught since 2007. A. calliptera has a medium climate match with the contiguous United States, with the areas of highest match located in Florida, where is has been reported, and along the U.S.-Mexico border. Besides the isolated population of this species in Florida, no other introductions of this species into the United States have been documented. No impacts of this species on native ecosystems have been documented. Further information is needed to adequately asses what risk, if any, this species poses. Overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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