Arius uncinatus
Overview
Betancurichthys uncinatus is a species of fish in the family Ariidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are rivers and freshwater lakes. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Arius uncinatus faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and habitat degradation in its limited coastal range. Dam construction and water diversions have altered freshwater flows critical for spawning, while coastal development has destroyed essential nursery habitats. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with fishing pressure targeting both adults and juveniles in shallow coastal waters.
Habitat
This catfish species inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and the lower reaches of rivers where freshwater meets saltwater. It requires access to both marine and freshwater environments for different life stages, particularly depending on estuarine nursery areas with muddy or sandy substrates.
