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.
Payara (Hydrolycus armatus) is a freshwater fish species native to South America. It is found in the Amazon basin, Orinoco basin, and rivers of Guyana. Information on the biology of H. armatus is not widely available. No introductions for the species have been reported, although it is present in the aquarium trade in the United States. More information is needed to understand any possible impacts from introduction of H. armatus. Absence of this information makes the certainty of this assessment low. Climate match with the United States is low. Overall risk posed by this species is uncertain.