Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Spotted Tilapia (Pelmatolapia mariae) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Pelmatolapia mariae, the spotted tilapia, is an adaptable and aggressive fish native to coastal drainages of west central Africa. This species is a benthic herbivore but is also known to eat small invertebrates. It is typically found in flowing waters and can tolerate brackish water. P. mariae is an aquarium species and has the potential to be raised for aquaculture purposes. It is a known food source in its native range. This species is regulated in Texas under its current genus of Pelmatolapia and 14 other U.S. States under the genus Tilapia or the umbrella of all
13 tilapia species (see section 1). P. mariae has been introduced and become established in Florida, eastern Australia, Hong Kong, and Germany. In Germany and southern Australia, P. mariae has become established in thermally regulated waters. Records of introductions exist in Nevada, Arizona, and California but due to the uncertainty of these records, including potential misidentifications, the status in those locations is unknown. Negative effects from this species’ introduction have been reported, including impacts to native sunfishes. The History of Invasiveness for P. mariae is High due to its ability to outcompete native fish for habitat and food. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. The highest climate match was recorded in Florida (where this species is established) and portions of southern Texas. The Certainty of Assessment is High due to the known introductions and documented negative impacts. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Pelmatolatpia mariae in the contiguous United States is High.