Black prochilodus
VU

Black prochilodus

Prochilodus nigricans

Unknown

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

Overview

Prochilodus nigricans, or black prochilodus, is a species of prochilodontid fish from the Amazon Basin in South America. It supports major fisheries; according to IBAMA, it is the third most caught taxon in the Brazilian Amazon by weight, after Brachyplatystoma vaillantii and Semaprochilodus spp. The black prochilodus is migratory, moving between different parts of the Amazon. The black prochilodus reaches up to 45 cm (18 in) in total length and 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) in weight.

Black prochilodus faces significant pressure from overfishing throughout its range, as it is heavily targeted for commercial and subsistence fisheries due to its economic importance. Habitat degradation from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and dam construction along major river systems further threatens spawning and feeding areas. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns are disrupting seasonal flooding cycles that are critical for the species' reproductive success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Large river systems and floodplains throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins, including main river channels, tributaries, and seasonally flooded forests (várzea). The species requires access to both deep river channels for adult habitat and shallow floodplain areas for spawning and juvenile development.

FRESHWATER· majorFRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Prochilodontidae

Magdalena River prochilodusVU

Magdalena River prochilodus

Prochilodus magdalenae

Unknown
VU

Netted prochilod

Prochilodus reticulatus

Unknown

Threatened in Bolivia

EN

Jacquemontia mairae

Stable
EN

Machaerium tortipes

Declining
CR

Phlebopus bruchii

Declining
CR

Knodus shinahota

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Black prochilodus classified as Vulnerable?
Black prochilodus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Black prochilodus faces significant pressure from overfishing throughout its range, as it is heavily targeted for commercial and subsistence fisheries due to its economic importance. Habitat degradation from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and dam construction along major river systems further threatens spawning and feeding areas. Climate change and altered precipitation patterns are disrupting seasonal flooding cycles that are critical for the species' reproductive success.
Where does Black prochilodus live?
Black prochilodus occurs in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Peru (plus 2 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Black prochilodus?
The main threats to Black prochilodus 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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