CR

Isbrueckerichthys saxicola

Unknown

Overview

Isbrueckerichthys saxicola is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Loricariidae, the suckermouth armored catfishes, and the subfamily Hypoptopomatinae. the cascudinhos. This catfish is endemic to Brazil where it is known only from the Jacutinga River in the municipality of Londrina in the state of Paraná. This species reaches a standard length of 8.8 cm (3.5 in).

Isbrueckerichthys saxicola faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region, where deforestation and agricultural expansion have fragmented its rocky stream environments. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the pristine conditions this specialized catfish requires. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single disturbance events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits rocky streams and tributaries within Brazil's Atlantic Forest biome, specifically adapted to clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky substrates. The species requires pristine water quality and stable flow regimes typical of undisturbed forest watersheds.

FRESHWATER· major

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Mustelus fasciatus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Isbrueckerichthys saxicola classified as Critically Endangered?
Isbrueckerichthys saxicola 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. Isbrueckerichthys saxicola faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region, where deforestation and agricultural expansion have fragmented its rocky stream environments. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the pristine conditions this specialized catfish requires. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single disturbance events.
Where does Isbrueckerichthys saxicola live?
Isbrueckerichthys saxicola 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 Isbrueckerichthys saxicola?
The main threats to Isbrueckerichthys saxicola 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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