Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Malabar Danio (Devario malabaricus) - 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.

Devario malabaricus, commonly known as Malabar danio, is a fish native to the west coast of India and Sri Lanka. The largest of the Danio species, D. malabaricus is widely transported around the world as an ornamental fish, which likely led to reported introductions in Myanmar, Colombia, Philippines, and the United States through aquaculture escape or aquarium releases.

Current status is unknown in Myanmar and Philippines, while the species has established populations within two watersheds in Colombia. Little information about these established populations is known and no impacts of introduction have been reported. Within the United States, there have been reported occurrences that failed in Florida and Nevada. Climate match within the contiguous United States is low overall, with only the southernmost reaches of Texas and Florida showing a medium level match locally. More research is needed to address global distribution and potential impacts of introduction to better understand the level of risk D. malabaricus could pose if established in the United States. Given all factors, the overall risk assessment for this species is uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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