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.
Malapterurus minjiriya is an electric catfish native to western Africa. It is used in fisheries and scientific research. It poses a risk to humans, which may be related to its ability to create electrical discharges. Some species in this genus are able to produce electric discharges in the range of hundreds of volts to stun prey and for defense. The history of invasiveness is uncertain. No records of introductions were found. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has listed M. minjiriya as a prohibited species. The climate match is low for the contiguous United States, with patches of medium match in southern Florida and southern Texas. The certainty of assessment is low because of a lack of information on potential invasiveness. The overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
Publication date
Type of document
Uncertain Risk
Program
