Ancistrus cryptophthalmus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ancistrus cryptophthalmus faces severe threats from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range within the Amazon Basin. Mining activities and water pollution from agricultural runoff degrade the clear, fast-flowing streams this species requires for survival. The construction of small dams and water diversions further fragments its already restricted habitat, while sedimentation from land-use changes reduces water quality in critical breeding areas.
Habitat
This catfish species inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and tributaries in the Amazon Basin, typically found in areas with rocky substrates and moderate to strong currents. It prefers well-oxygenated waters with minimal sedimentation, often associated with forested watersheds that maintain stable water quality.
