Cyprinus barbatus
Overview
Cyprinus barbatus is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Cyprinus. It is endemic to Lake Erhai in Dali, Yunnan, China. It is negatively impacted by agricultural and domestic pollution and introduced species. The IUCN considers it as critically endangered and possibly extinct, but records as recent as the 2000s (decade) show that it likely does survive.
Cyprinus barbatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and water extraction in its native river systems. Dam construction has fragmented remaining populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning. Introduced non-native fish species compete for resources and may hybridize with remaining wild populations, further threatening genetic integrity.
Habitat
This freshwater cyprinid inhabits slow-flowing rivers and streams with muddy or sandy substrates, typically in lowland areas with abundant aquatic vegetation. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable flow regimes for successful reproduction and juvenile development.
