Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Orinoco Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus) - 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.

Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus, Orinoco Sailfin Catfish, is a fish that is native throughout the Orinoco River basin. P. multiradiatus can be found in multiple habitats including streams and lakes. This fish can breathe air and is a general detritivore. This species is a popular source of food in South America and Asia. This species is found in the aquarium industry under multiple common names. P. multiradiatus has been introduced to and established populations the United States in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It has also been introduced to and become established in India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is reported from Nigeria and markets in Suriname. The introductions were attributed to either aquaria release or accidental release from aquaculture ponds. P. multiradiatus exhibits burrowing behavior during reproduction where the males dig burrows and then guard the eggs until larvae leave. This burrowing behavior in areas where the species has been introduced leads to erosion of banks and increased siltation in reservoirs. Due to these introductions and the documented negative effects, the History of Invasiveness for Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus is classified as High. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates that there is establishment concern. Areas of high match were found in the Southeast from Texas to southern Virginia. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Medium. Information was available regarding the biology, ecology, distribution, and history of invasiveness. However, correctly identifying species of Pterygoplichthys through morphological means is difficult and misidentifications are common, leading to uncertainty in the understanding of the species’ native range and the correct species identity in some introduced populations. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus in the contiguous United States is High.