Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Ecological Risk Screening Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Rocio octofasciata, Jack Dempsey, is a freshwater fish native to Mexico and Central America as far south as Honduras. It is an opportunistic omnivore and exhibits some tolerance to a range of environmental conditions. This species is known to be in trade in the United States and internationally. No regulations specific to this species were identified in the United States. R. octofasciata is established in Florida, Hawaii, and South Dakota. It has also been introduced to and established populations in Australia, Russia, and Thailand. In South Dakota, as well as in Russia and southern Australia, R. octofasciata has become established in thermally regulated waters. The History of Invasiveness for R. octofasciata is classified as Data Deficient due to limited evidence documenting impacts of its introduction. Climate match analysis for the contiguous United States indicates that yes, there is establishment concern. Areas with a high climate match include peninsular Florida and the southern Atlantic Coast. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low, as no scientific literature currently provides evidence of impacts, or lack of impacts, resulting from introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Rocio octofasciata in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.