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.
Threespot tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) is native to major river systems in southern Africa. It can be found in open water and wetland habitats. O. andersonii is used for both commercial and recreational fisheries. It can carry epizootic ulcerative syndrome, an OIE-reportable disease. This species has been introduced outside of its native range within countries where it is native in other areas and in nearby countries, primarily for aquaculture purposes. Some of those introductions resulted in established populations. The history of invasiveness is classified as “Data Deficient.” There was no information on demonstrated impacts of introduction. The climate match was medium with the areas of highest match in the southwest. The certainty of assessment is low and the overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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