Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Hong Kong Catfish (Clarias fuscus) - 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.

Clarias fuscus is a freshwater fish native to eastern Asia, with introduced populations reported in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan. The species was introduced to Hawaii for aquaculture purposes near the turn of the 20th century, and it remains commercially important in the aquaculture industry. The live importation of C. fuscus into the contiguous U.S. is now prohibited under the Lacey Act. Climate match to the contiguous U.S. is medium. Information regarding the impacts of introduction of C. fuscus is lacking despite many decades of establishment in Hawaii and elsewhere. Therefore, the overall risk posed by C. fuscus is uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Invasive species