Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Guinean Tilapia (Coptodon guineensis) - 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

Guinean Tilapia, Coptodon guineensis, is a euryhaline fish that lives in the river mouths and lagoons along the West African coast, from Angola to Morocco. The species is used commercially as a food source for humans and is present in the international aquarium trade. The history of invasiveness is uncertain. Coptodon guineensis has been reported outside of its native range in the United States and the former USSR, but there is no information available to determine if either introduction resulted in an established population. No information has been found on impacts from the introduction. The climate match for the contiguous United States was low, with areas of medium match in south Florida, and the southern tips of Texas and Louisiana. The certainty of assessment is low due to lack of information. The overall risk assessment category for Coptodon guineensis is uncertain.