Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Tilapia nigrans - 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.

Tilapia nigrans is a benthopelagic cichlid endemic to Lake Ejagham in Cameroon. It has not been reported as introduced outside of this location. Because T. nigrans has no history of invasiveness, it is currently impossible to know what impacts T. nigrans might have if introduced to the U.S. Climate match to the contiguous U.S. is low, but this may be an underestimate because environmental factors other than climate tolerance may be responsible for the restriction of the species to a single lake. Tropical and sub-tropical areas of the U.S. may be suitable habitat for this tropical species. Overall risk of this species is uncertain.