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.
Leaping mullet (Chelon saliens) is a fish native throughout the Eastern Atlantic from France to Morocco, and throughout the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sea of Azov. This species lives in marine and brackish environments, typically reproducing in marine environments. It is used in commercial aquaculture and fisheries. C. saliens has been introduced into Israel, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, where it has established populations. The introduction to Israel was for aquaculture. No negative impacts have been reported from these introductions, but there are no studies available investigating ecological impacts. Some economic benefits have been reported from the Caspian Sea populations, as they are commercially important. This species is susceptible to viral nervous necrosis and is a host to numerous parasites. The climate match with the contiguous United States is high overall, with the highest matches in the West. Certainty of assessment is low due to lack of studies about potential negative impacts from introduction and not being able to prepare a climate match for the marine portion of C. saliens’ life cycle. The overall risk for this species is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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