Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.
M. anguillicaudatus has been established in the US and many other countries worldwide and is continually expanding. There is a high risk of additional introductions, establishment, and impacts in other areas because this species is highly adaptable, quick to reproduce, and is extremely popular in the aquaculture and aquarium industry. Multiple authors have found that this species has caused reductions in macroinvertebrate populations, altered aquatic habitats, and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus are vectors for certain fish parasites. Due to the impacts from introduction of this species into Australia, importation of this species was banned in 1986. Climate match with the US is high, with very high readings surrounding the Great Lakes.
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High Risk
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