Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus) - 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.

Malapterurus electricus, the electric catfish, has a broad native distribution on the African continent. The species is notable for its electric organ, used for prey capture and defense. The electric organ discharge can be uncomfortable for humans but is not fatal. Only one introduction of this species is known aside from minor range expansion through migration. That introduction, which occurred in Germany, apparently failed before its impacts could be studied. Climate match with the contiguous United States is medium. Overall risk posed by this species is uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Invasive species