CR

Chrysoblephus cristiceps

Declining

Overview

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

Chrysoblephus cristiceps faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive commercial and recreational fishing pressure throughout its limited South African range. The species' slow growth rate, late sexual maturity, and naturally small population size make it extremely vulnerable to overexploitation. Habitat degradation from coastal development and pollution in nearshore rocky reef environments has further reduced available spawning and nursery areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic South African marine fish inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forests in temperate coastal waters, typically found at depths of 5-100 meters along the southwestern Cape coast. The species prefers areas with complex rocky substrates that provide shelter and feeding opportunities among algae-covered reefs.

Marine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Chrysoblephus cristiceps classified as Critically Endangered?
Chrysoblephus cristiceps 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. Chrysoblephus cristiceps faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive commercial and recreational fishing pressure throughout its limited South African range. The species' slow growth rate, late sexual maturity, and naturally small population size make it extremely vulnerable to overexploitation. Habitat degradation from coastal development and pollution in nearshore rocky reef environments has further reduced available spawning and nursery areas.
Where does Chrysoblephus cristiceps live?
Chrysoblephus cristiceps occurs in Comoros, Namibia, and South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chrysoblephus cristiceps?
The main threats to Chrysoblephus cristiceps are 5.4, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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