Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Red Garra (Garra rufa) - 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.

Red Garra (Garra rufa) is a fish native to the Near East. This small, omnivorous cyprinid is used in the fish-spa industry to exfoliate human skin. The history of invasiveness is low. It has not been reported as introduced or established outside the native range anywhere in the world but is considered to be in substantial trade (millions of organisms for 10 or more years). The overall climate match for the contiguous United States is high, with the majority of areas with high match west of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the East had low matches. The certainty of assessment is high. Quality information was available for this species and trade information was available from more than one scientifically defensible source. The overall risk assessment category for Garra rufa is uncertain due to the combination of a low history of invasiveness but a high climate match.