Balsas Shiner
EN

Balsas Shiner

Notropis boucardi

Unknown

Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Guillermo Aceves, all rights reserved, uploaded by Guillermo Aceves

Overview

The Balsas shiner is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, the shiners, daces and minnows. This species is endemic to Mexico.

The Balsas Shiner faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited range within the Balsas River basin of Mexico. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and water extraction have significantly altered the aquatic ecosystems this species depends on for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Earlier believed to be widespread in the Balsas River drainage, recent studies have shown that it is confined to a small system of streams in the vicinity of its type locality near Cuernavaca, as well as an endorheic spring in nearby Jiutepec, both in the state of Morelos. It inhabits shallow streams with a rocky bottom. The diet consists of insects such as simulids and chironomids.

FRESHWATER· major

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Calidris ferrugineaVU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Balsas Shiner classified as Endangered?
Balsas Shiner 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. The Balsas Shiner faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited range within the Balsas River basin of Mexico. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and water extraction have significantly altered the aquatic ecosystems this species depends on for survival.
Where does Balsas Shiner live?
Balsas Shiner occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Balsas Shiner?
The main threats to Balsas Shiner 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.

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