VU

Castalia martensi

Unknown

Overview

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

Castalia martensi faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions that alter natural flow regimes essential for its filter-feeding lifestyle. Agricultural runoff introduces pesticides and excess nutrients that degrade water quality in its freshwater habitats. Sedimentation from upstream land use changes buries the substrate where this mussel anchors and feeds, while invasive species compete for resources and space.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with sandy or gravelly substrates in temperate regions. It requires well-oxygenated water with stable flow patterns to maintain its filter-feeding behavior and reproductive cycle.

Other threatened species in HYRIIDAE

VU

Diplodon pfeifferi

Unknown
EN

Diplodon dunkerianus

Unknown
VU

Diplodon expansus

Unknown
Glenelg Freshwater MusselCR

Glenelg Freshwater Mussel

Hyridella glenelgensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Castalia martensi classified as Vulnerable?
Castalia martensi 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. Castalia martensi faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions that alter natural flow regimes essential for its filter-feeding lifestyle. Agricultural runoff introduces pesticides and excess nutrients that degrade water quality in its freshwater habitats. Sedimentation from upstream land use changes buries the substrate where this mussel anchors and feeds, while invasive species compete for resources and space.
Where does Castalia martensi live?
Castalia martensi 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 Castalia martensi?
The main threats to Castalia martensi 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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