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.
Mugilogobius cavifrons is an amphidromous goby native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species has become established in O’ahu, Hawaii, where it preys upon native fish and exists in greater numbers in some habitats than native species. Other impacts of M. cavifrons on native ecosystems are unknown. Because documentation of impacts observed thus far does not meet the criteria of being clear, convincing, and scientifically defensible, history of invasiveness is classified as “none documented.” M. cavifrons has a low climate match with the contiguous United States, with small isolated areas of medium match in southern Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and California. Further research is needed to document any impacts this species is having in Hawaii, and what threat it poses to the contiguous United States. Certainty of this assessment is low, and the overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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