Barbouria cubensis
CR

Barbouria cubensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbouria

Overview

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

Barbouria cubensis faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and over-extraction in Cuba's karst cave systems. Urban development and agricultural runoff contaminate the limited freshwater habitats where this endemic cave fish survives. The species' extremely restricted range in underground aquifers makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of local hydrology or water quality degradation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban cave fish inhabits freshwater underground aquifers and flooded cave systems in karst limestone formations. The species is restricted to specific groundwater habitats with stable temperatures and water chemistry in Cuba's subterranean ecosystems.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in HIPPOLYTIDAE

Somersiella sterreriCR

Somersiella sterreri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Barbouria cubensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Barbouria cubensis 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. Barbouria cubensis faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and over-extraction in Cuba's karst cave systems. Urban development and agricultural runoff contaminate the limited freshwater habitats where this endemic cave fish survives. The species' extremely restricted range in underground aquifers makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of local hydrology or water quality degradation.
Where does Barbouria cubensis live?
Barbouria cubensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Barbouria cubensis?
The main threats to Barbouria cubensis 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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