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.
Paravandellia oxyptera is a small parasitic catfish native to South America. It feeds from the gills of larger host fish. P. oxyptera has a medium climate match with the U.S., with the highest match area being the southeastern U.S. This species has not been reported as introduced outside its native range. State authorities currently consider P. oxyptera dangerous to the ecology or the health and welfare of the people of Florida, where personal possession or commercial use of this species is prohibited by law. Further information is needed to adequately assess this species as having either high or low risk for the contiguous U.S. Because of this, overall risk assessment
category is uncertain.
Publication date
Type of document
Uncertain Risk
Program
