EN

Cobitis stenocauda

Declining

Overview

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

Cobitis stenocauda faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge in its native river systems. Dam construction and water extraction for irrigation have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and habitat degradation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater loach inhabits clean, well-oxygenated streams and small rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates. It prefers shallow waters with moderate current flow and abundant aquatic vegetation that provides cover and feeding opportunities.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in COBITIDAE

VU

Protocobitis typhlops

Stable
EN

Arachthos Spined Loach

Cobitis arachthosensis

Unknown
North Iberian Spined LoachVU

North Iberian Spined Loach

Cobitis calderoni

Declining
EN

Illyrian Spined Loach

Cobitis illyrica

Unknown

Threatened in China

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Golden Vietnamese Cypress

Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

Declining
VU

Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Declining
VU

Likiang Spruce

Picea likiangensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cobitis stenocauda classified as Endangered?
Cobitis stenocauda 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. Cobitis stenocauda faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge in its native river systems. Dam construction and water extraction for irrigation have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and habitat degradation.
Where does Cobitis stenocauda live?
Cobitis stenocauda occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cobitis stenocauda?
The main threats to Cobitis stenocauda 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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