Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus)

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Ecological Risk Screening Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Esox americanus, Redfin Pickerel, is a fish that is native to the Atlantic Slope, Gulf, and lower Mississippi drainages of the United States and Canada. Introductions have occurred in areas surrounding the native range as well as in western States. The species has become established in a few locations. Esox americanus is available via the pet trade in the United States but no information regarding the quantity or duration of trade was found. Arkansas, Arizona, California, and Oregon regulate Esox americanus. The History of Invasiveness for Esox americanus was classified as Data Deficient due to the lack of information demonstrating impacts or lack of impacts of nonnative populations. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. Areas of high climate match were found within and bordering the native range in the Eastern, Great Lakes, and Central Plains regions. Parts of the Western Mountains and Great Basin regions where Esox americanus has become established also had high match. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the lack of information regarding impacts from introductions. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Esox americanus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.