EN

Cobre climbing catfish

Astroblepus phelpsi

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Astroblepus phelpsi faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Venezuela's tepui mountain systems, where mining activities and infrastructure development fragment its restricted highland stream networks. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate water chemistry of its specialized habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits high-altitude freshwater streams and tributaries in the tepui mountains of Venezuela, typically found in clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky substrates. The species is restricted to specific elevation ranges within the Guiana Highlands, occupying specialized microhabitats in pristine mountain watersheds.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Astroblepidae

EN

Albirregas climbing catfish

Astroblepus orientalis

Unknown

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cobre climbing catfish classified as Endangered?
Cobre climbing catfish is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Astroblepus phelpsi faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Venezuela's tepui mountain systems, where mining activities and infrastructure development fragment its restricted highland stream networks. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate water chemistry of its specialized habitat.
Where does Cobre climbing catfish live?
Cobre climbing catfish occurs in Colombia, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cobre climbing catfish?
The main threats to Cobre climbing catfish are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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