Stygichthys typhlops
EN

Stygichthys typhlops

Declining

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

Overview

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

Stygichthys typhlops faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and aquifer depletion, which directly impacts the water table levels essential for its cave habitat survival. Agricultural intensification and urban development in the surrounding landscape have altered natural water flow patterns, reducing the quality and quantity of water entering the cave systems. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of its specialized underground aquatic environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This blind cave fish inhabits underground freshwater systems, specifically dwelling in subterranean pools and streams within limestone cave networks. The species requires stable water temperatures and consistent water levels in completely dark aquatic cave environments.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Stygichthys typhlops classified as Endangered?
Stygichthys typhlops 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. Stygichthys typhlops faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and aquifer depletion, which directly impacts the water table levels essential for its cave habitat survival. Agricultural intensification and urban development in the surrounding landscape have altered natural water flow patterns, reducing the quality and quantity of water entering the cave systems. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of its specialized underground aquatic environment.
Where does Stygichthys typhlops live?
Stygichthys typhlops occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Stygichthys typhlops?
The main threats to Stygichthys typhlops 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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