EN

Euphrates spring minnow

Pseudophoxinus firati

Declining

Overview

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

Pseudophoxinus firati faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction along the Euphrates River system, which has dramatically reduced water levels and altered flow patterns in its native streams. Agricultural expansion and urban development have led to habitat degradation through pollution runoff and physical modification of riparian zones. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by reducing precipitation and increasing water temperatures in an already arid region.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cyprinid inhabits small streams and tributaries of the Euphrates River basin in southeastern Turkey, preferring clear, flowing waters with rocky or gravelly substrates. The species is adapted to the semi-arid Mediterranean climate of the region, occupying both permanent and seasonal watercourses at elevations typically between 400-800 meters.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Euphrates spring minnow classified as Endangered?
Euphrates spring minnow 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. Pseudophoxinus firati faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction along the Euphrates River system, which has dramatically reduced water levels and altered flow patterns in its native streams. Agricultural expansion and urban development have led to habitat degradation through pollution runoff and physical modification of riparian zones. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by reducing precipitation and increasing water temperatures in an already arid region.
Where does Euphrates spring minnow live?
Euphrates spring minnow occurs in Türkiye. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Euphrates spring minnow?
The main threats to Euphrates spring minnow 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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