Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Trichomycterus punctulatus (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 punctulatus is a tropical species of parasitic catfish native to freshwater drainages of western Peru. One specimen was reported outside of its native range in Bolivia, but no evidence exists suggesting that there is an established population in Bolivia, or elsewhere outside of its native range. Beyond its recognition as a parasite of other fish in its native range, little else is reported about this species and its potential role as a vector for disease pathogens, or the potential risks it may pose to the United States. History of invasiveness is uncertain. Several U.S. States prohibit or restrict the possession, transport, or trade of this species along with other members of the family Trichomycteridae. Certainty of this assessment is low due to lack of information on introductions. The climate match with the contiguous United States is low; only the southern California coast had a medium match. Overall risk posed by this species is uncertain.