Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Southern Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii) - 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.

The southern sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys ambrosettii) is a freshwater armored catfish native to South America, including the Paraguay, middle Paraná, Bermejo and Uruguay River basins. This species can tolerate environments with poor oxygen levels, allowing them to adjust to living in diverse aquatic environments, including those impacted by dams. P. ambrosettii is present in the aquarium trade around the world and appears to be in trade within the United States. The history of invasiveness is None Documented. P. ambrosetti has been introduced outside its native range in South America through release of fish caught in turbines upstream of dams, flooding, and release by aquarium enthusiasts. It has also been introduced in Florida, Texas, and India, presumably through aquarium releases, and has established populations in those locations. No information on actual impacts from this species was found. There is some information on potential impacts from this specific species and potential and documented impacts from the genus. The overall climate match for the contiguous United States is medium. Areas of high match were found along part of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and portions of the border with Mexico. The certainty of assessment is low due to the lack of information on impacts of introductions. Overall risk for this species is uncertain.