Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Siamese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) - Uncertain Risk

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

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is a fish species native to the Asian Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong river basins, and, northern Malay Peninsula. A potamodromous species, cyclically migrating long distances in larger rivers and also occurring in flooded fields. G. aymonieri is herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae, periphyton, and phytoplankton. This food preference has contributed to it being a very popular in the aquarium trade as a biological control for algae. The species is believed to be established within Puerto Rico, where it was likely introduced by aquarium release. No scientific studies have addressed the potential impacts of introduction there and is needed to better inform the species’ invasiveness risk. Climate match within the United States is medium overall, with the highest match areas occurring locally within southern Florida and Texas. Given all factors, the overall risk assessment for Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Invasive species