CR

Punican Bleak

Anaecypris punica

Declining

Overview

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

Anaecypris punica faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited Mediterranean range. Water extraction and dam construction have significantly altered the natural flow regimes of streams where this endemic cyprinid depends for reproduction. Pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater has degraded water quality in remaining suitable habitats, while introduced fish species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cyprinid inhabits small streams, springs, and shallow freshwater systems in Mediterranean coastal regions of North Africa. It prefers clear, well-oxygenated waters with rocky or sandy substrates and moderate vegetation cover.

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Punican Bleak classified as Critically Endangered?
Punican Bleak is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Anaecypris punica faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited Mediterranean range. Water extraction and dam construction have significantly altered the natural flow regimes of streams where this endemic cyprinid depends for reproduction. Pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater has degraded water quality in remaining suitable habitats, while introduced fish species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics.
Where does Punican Bleak live?
Punican Bleak occurs in Algeria, and Tunisia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Punican Bleak?
The main threats to Punican Bleak are 11.1, 11.2, 2.1, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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