Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) - Uncertain Risk

Ictiobus bubalus, Smallmouth Buffalo, is a freshwater fish that is native to the Lower Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin from Pennsylvania and Michigan to Montana and south to the Gulf slope drainages in southern Mexico. I. bubalus is commonly found in lakes, reservoirs, and impoundments as well as fast flowing waters and deeper waters of large rivers. They are stocked for sport and aquaculture purposes but are not common in the aquarium trade. This species is regulated in three States. I. bubualus has been introduced outside of its native range, with some introductions resulting in established populations. The History of Invasiveness is classified as Data Deficient due to the 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 for most of the central and eastern United States. Areas of low match were found in and west of the Rocky Mountains. 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 Ictiobus bubalus in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.