Rasbora tawarensis
CR

Rasbora tawarensis

Declining

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

Overview

Rasbora tawarensis, locally known as depik, is a critically endangered species of cyprinid fish. It is endemic to Lake Laut Tawar in Indonesia, where its population is rapidly decreasing due to ecological disturbances, global warming, introduced species, unlawful fishing practices, and pollution.

Rasbora tawarensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation around Lake Toba, Sumatra, where agricultural expansion and urban development have altered water quality and flow patterns. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, while introduced species may compete for resources or prey on juveniles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste poses additional risks to this endemic lake fish.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits the freshwater systems of Lake Toba and its tributaries in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It typically occurs in shallow, vegetated areas of the lake and associated streams with clear, well-oxygenated water.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementAwareness & communicationsPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Rasbora tawarensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Rasbora tawarensis 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. Rasbora tawarensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation around Lake Toba, Sumatra, where agricultural expansion and urban development have altered water quality and flow patterns. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, while introduced species may compete for resources or prey on juveniles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste poses additional risks to this endemic lake fish.
Where does Rasbora tawarensis live?
Rasbora tawarensis occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rasbora tawarensis?
The main threats to Rasbora tawarensis are 1.1, 2.1, 2.4, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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