Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Southern Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) - 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.

Xiphophorus maculatus, Southern Platyfish, is a fish species native to northern Central America. The omnivorous X. maculatus feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plants, and is a livebearer that attains sexual maturity after 3-4 months. A popular ornamental fish in the United States and internationally, this species has a wide distribution beyond its native range, with established populations in Asian, African, Caribbean, Oceanic, South American, and North American countries. The species has been associated with potential negative impacts in some of these locations, although the direct influence of X. maculatus relative to other introduced species is unclear and more research is needed in this area. The history of invasiveness is classified as “none documented” based on currently available information. X. maculatus is currently established in several States within the contiguous United States, including Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, Montana, California, and Nevada, as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. There is a high overall climate match with the contiguous United States. The certainty is low for this assessment because of the lack of clear and convincing evidence on impacts of X. maculatus introduction or the lack thereof. The overall risk posed by X. maculatus to the contiguous United States is uncertain.