Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Leopard Mandarin Fish (Siniperca scherzeri) - 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.

The Leopard Mandarin Fish (Siniperca scherzeri) is a freshwater fish native to much of eastern Asia. This species is a popular game fish in its native range and is used in aquaculture both for food and the aquarium trade. It is in trade within the United States, although possession is regulated in Alabama. However, there are no records quantifying the number individuals traded. The species is also prohibited in Japan. No records of introductions were found, resulting in a history of invasiveness classification of No Known Nonnative Population. The overall climate match for the contiguous United States was Medium with high matches found mainly along the southern Atlantic Coast. The certainty of assessment is Low due to a lack of information regarding the history of invasiveness. The overall risk posed by S. scherzeri to the contiguous United States is Uncertain.