Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Redspotted Sunfish (Lepomis miniatus) - Uncertain Risk

Lepomis miniatus, Redspotted Sunfish, is a freshwater fish that is native to the southcentral and southeastern regions, along the Gulf coast and upward along the Mississippi River to the Midwest region of the contiguous United States. L. miniatus is found in pools of creeks to medium size rivers and vegetated ponds and lakes. They can also be found in coastal habitats of low salinity and are able to tolerate periods of low oxygenated waters. They are not often targeted by anglers but are present in the aquarium trade. L. miniatus has been introduced to watersheds adjacent to its native range. Means of introduction are unknown but is likely due to stock contamination. L. miniatus is regulated in Arkansas, Arizona, New Hampshire, and New Mexico. The History of Invasiveness for L. miniatus is classified as Data Deficient due to minimal information found on established populations and a lack of information regarding impacts of introduction. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species outside its native range. There were areas of high match from the southcentral and southeastern regions and along the Gulf coast, spanning upward to the Midwest regions of the United States, which encompasses this species’ native range. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to lack of information regarding impacts of introduction and trade. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Lepomis miniatus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.