Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Metynnis polystictus (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 polystictus is a fish native to the Río Xingu in Brazil. Metynnis species are very popular in the aquarium trade. Metynnis polystictus has a low climate match in the contiguous United States, with a slightly higher match in southern Florida. There are no reports of introductions of M. polystictus. 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. polystictus in the contiguous United States is uncertain. Certainty of assessment is low because of a lack of information and taxonomic confusion. The overall risk posed by M. polystictus is uncertain.