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.
Herichthys cyanoguttatus is a cichlid native to Mexico and southern Texas. This species is established widely outside of its native range, with aquaculture and the aquarium trade being the predominant pathways for introductions. H. cyanoguttatus has a high climate match with the contiguous U.S. overall, with highest matches occurring in the Gulf Coast states and lower matches occurring in most northern and western states. Existing research has confirmed the aggressive behavior of H. cyanoguttatus towards native species, with implications for the reproductive success and population trends of native species. Hybridization with native species has also been reported. However, the existing scientific publications have not adequately quantified the long-term impacts of introduced populations of H. cyanoguttatus, highlighting a need for further research into the risk this species poses. Overall risk assessment category is high with medium certainty.
Publication date
Type of document
High Risk
Program
