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.
Poecilia velifera, the Yucatan Molly, is a species of poeciliid native to Mexico that is utilized worldwide in the aquarium trade. In some areas, it has been used to control pest species. P. velifera has been introduced to South America, Europe, and Asia; it is established in Colombia, Israel, Vietnam, and Thailand. There have been no adverse impacts reported from these introductions. History of invasiveness is classified as “none documented.” This species has not been introduced to the United States, but a hybrid of Poecilia latipinna and Poecilia velifera is established in California and Florida. These two states have a high climate match with Poecilia velifera, which has a medium climate match overall with the contiguous United States. Further information on impacts of introductions of P. velifera is necessary to adequately assess the risk this species poses to the contiguous United States. Certainty of this assessment is low, and the overall risk assessment category is uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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