Alchichica Silverside
Poblana alchichica
Photo: Photo: (c) Valeria Mas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Valeria Mas
Overview
The Alchichica silverside is a species of neotropical silverside endemic to Lake Alchichica in Mexico.
The Alchichica Silverside faces severe risk from declining water levels in Lake Alchichica caused by groundwater extraction for regional agriculture, which threatens the lake's unique closed-basin ecosystem. Nutrient runoff and water quality degradation further stress the species' already limited habitat. The introduction of non-native fish species adds competitive and predatory pressure within this single, isolated lake system where the silverside has no alternative range to retreat to.
Habitat
Poblana alchichica inhabits the shallow, alkaline waters of Lake Alchichica, a high-altitude crater lake in Puebla, Mexico. The species is adapted to the lake's unique conditions, including high salinity levels and clear, mineral-rich waters at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters.
Other threatened species in ATHERINIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is Alchichica Silverside classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Alchichica Silverside live?
What are the main threats to Alchichica Silverside?
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