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.
Scatophagus argus, Spotted Scat, is a euryhaline fish native to the Indo-Pacific, from the Middle East to Oceania. It inhabits harbors, natural embayments, brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of freshwater streams, frequently occurring among mangroves. It has dorsal, anal and pelvic spines that are venomous and capable of inflicting wounds. S. argus is present in the aquarium trade in the United States and internationally, and is also used for human consumption and in Chinese medicine. S. argus has known occurrences in the United States at two separate locations in Florida. However, it is not considered established in Florida. Overall climate match with the contiguous United States is medium, with a high match in parts of Florida and Texas. The climate matching analysis applies only to fresh and brackish waters, so it can only predict where the species can survive and not necessarily where it can establish a self-sustaining population. S. argus has also been introduced to Malta (Mediterranean Sea), but it is unclear whether that introduction has resulted in establishment. No information is available about impacts from introductions of this species, and history of invasiveness is classified as uncertain. Certainty of this assessment is low. Overall risk posed by S. argus is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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