Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Lepomis auritus, Redbreast Sunfish, is a fish native to the Atlantic and Gulf Slope drainages of eastern North America where it is found in slow-moving freshwater pools, rivers, and lakes with rocky and sandy substrate, and low to medium vegetation. L. auritus is a popular gamefish in the United States and has been intentionally stocked beyond its native range. Several introductions
of L. auritus have led to established populations, particularly in the southeastern United States, Texas, and Puerto Rico. The History of Invasiveness for L. auritus is classified as High. Sources state that introductions of L. auritus may harm native species such as L. megalotis (Longear Sunfish) and Dionda diaboli (Devils River Minnow) via competition and hybridization with congeners. Limited information was found on trade history associated with L. auritus. This species is regulated in at least three States. The climate matching analysis for this contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. Areas with high match were generally found east of the Continental Divide. Low matches were restricted to the coastal Pacific Northwest, Cascade Mountains, and Sierra Nevada. The Certainty of Assessment is classified as Medium due to limited peer-reviewed information regarding the impacts of established populations. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for L. auritus in the contiguous United States is High.