Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Mayan Cichlid (Mayaheros urophthalmus) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Mayaheros urophthalmus, Mayan Cichlid, is a fish that is native to Atlantic slope waters from southeastern Mexico (including the Yucatán Peninsula) to the Rio Prinzapolka in Nicaragua. This species has been introduced to several countries outside of its native range, and has established populations in the United States, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. M. urophthalmus is in the aquarium trade within the United States. The History of Invasiveness for M. urophthalmus is classified as High as established populations in the United States have resulted in negative impacts including competition with and reduction of populations of native fish species. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for Mayaheros urophthalmus. Areas of high match were found in Florida and along the Gulf and southern Atlantic coasts. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High. Information was available from reliable sources regarding biology, ecology, distribution, and history of invasiveness for this species. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for M. urophthalmus in the contiguous United States is High.