Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Pterygoplichthys lituratus (a catfish, 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.

Pterygoplichthys lituratus is a South American freshwater armored catfish native to Brazil, Bolivia, and Columbia. The history of invasiveness is classified as “no known nonnative population.” It has not been reported as introduced or established anywhere in the world other than its native range and there is no indication that this species is found in trade. The climate match for the majority of the contiguous United States was low with Florida having an individual high climate match. The certainty of assessment is low. The overall risk assessment category for Pterygoplichthys lituratus is uncertain.