Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Metynnis otuquensis (a fish, no common name) - 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.

Metynnis otuquensis is a fish native to the Paraguay River basin in central South America. Metynnis species are very popular in the aquarium trade, although M. otuquensis was not found for sale from U.S.-based online aquarium retailers. Metynnis otuquensis has a medium climate match in the contiguous United States, with a medium to high climate match in Florida and southern Texas. There are no reports of introductions of M. otuquensis. However, members of the Metynnis genus (species identification uncertain) have been collected beyond their native range in Florida, where their status is listed as locally established. Metynnis spp. found in Florida are believed to be aquarium releases. Therefore, the history of invasiveness of M. otuquensis in the contiguous United States is uncertain. Certainty of assessment is low because of taxonomic confusion and a lack of information. The overall risk posed by M. otuquensis is uncertain.