EN

Trichomycterus meridae

Local name: 梅氏毛鼻鲶

Unknown

Overview

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

Trichomycterus meridae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Venezuela's Andean watersheds, where agricultural expansion and urban development have altered stream flow patterns and water quality. Mining activities in the Mérida region contribute additional pollution and sedimentation that degrades the specialized rocky substrate habitats this endemic catfish requires. Climate change poses an emerging threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting high-altitude stream systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing mountain streams in the Venezuelan Andes, particularly in the Mérida region at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates and stable flow regimes typical of high-altitude Andean watersheds.

FRESHWATER· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is 梅氏毛鼻鲶 classified as Endangered?
梅氏毛鼻鲶 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. Trichomycterus meridae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Venezuela's Andean watersheds, where agricultural expansion and urban development have altered stream flow patterns and water quality. Mining activities in the Mérida region contribute additional pollution and sedimentation that degrades the specialized rocky substrate habitats this endemic catfish requires. Climate change poses an emerging threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting high-altitude stream systems.
Where does 梅氏毛鼻鲶 live?
梅氏毛鼻鲶 occurs in Colombia, Ecuador, 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 梅氏毛鼻鲶?
The main threats to 梅氏毛鼻鲶 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.