Cyprogenia stegaria
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanshell
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cyprogenia stegaria faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization, which have altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and urban pollution has further compromised the species' survival, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells. The species' dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations in degraded river systems.
Habitat
Cyprogenia stegaria inhabits medium to large rivers with stable gravel and sand substrates, typically in areas with moderate to swift currents. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water and depends on specific fish species as hosts for its larval stage.
