Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Trichomycterus areolatus (a catfish, no common name) - 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.

Trichomycterus areolatus is a catfish native only to Chile, where it has a widespread distribution in the central region of the country. T. areolatus is a benthic insectivore that can carry parasites harmful to farmed salmon. The species has a medium climate match in the continental United States. T. areolatus has not been introduced outside of its native range. Without being able to observe introductions in other parts of the world, it is impossible to know the potential impacts of introduction of T. areolatus to the U.S. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has listed the parasitic catfish T. areolatus as a prohibited species. The overall risk posed by this species is uncertain.