Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna) - 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.

Poecilia latipinna, Sailfin Molly, is a fish native to the southeastern United States and Mexico.  P. latipinna has a wide range of environmental tolerances and can thrive in habitats with large
ranges of temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. This species is a popular ornamental aquarium fish, has been previously thought to act as mosquito control, and has been used as a bait fish.
These pathways have led to global introductions and establishment of nonnative populations. P. latipinna exhibits fast growth rates and gives birth to live offspring, allowing for quick
colonization. The History of Invasiveness for Poecilia latipinna is classified as High due to multiple records of establishment from nonnative introductions that caused negative impacts,
including competition with the globally threatened Bahamas Pupfish (Cyprinodon laciniatus) and the endangered Desert Pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius). The climate matching analysis for
the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern outside its native range. Except for the northern and central Pacific Coast and the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains, medium to
high climate matches occurred throughout the contiguous United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the quantity and quality of information
available regarding the biology, ecology, distribution, and impacts of the species. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Poecilia latipinna in the contiguous United States is High.