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.
Jack Dempsey, Rocio octofasciata, is a popular ornamental freshwater fish that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is also used in research. The history of invasiveness is none documented. Jack Dempsey has been introduced outside of its native range to at least five new countries and has become established in four (United States, Russia, Thailand, and Australia). Although it has been introduced, little information has been found on direct impacts from the introductions. The climate match for the contiguous United States was medium, with a majority of the States having low individual climate scores. Areas of high match were found near the Puget Sound in Washington and along the Gulf and Southern Atlantic coasts. The certainty of assessment is low due to lack of information on impacts. The overall risk assessment category for Rocio octofasciata is uncertain.
Publication date
Type of document
Uncertain Risk
Program
