Xyrichtys victori
VU

Xyrichtys victori

Local name: Galápagos Razorfish

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Galapagos Razorfish faces significant pressure from its extremely limited range, being endemic to the Galapagos Marine Reserve where it inhabits shallow sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. Climate change poses a particular threat through ocean warming and acidification, which can alter the delicate marine ecosystems this species depends on. Overfishing and habitat degradation from increased tourism and coastal development within the archipelago further compound conservation challenges for this endemic wrasse.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic wrasse inhabits shallow sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and rocky reefs around the Galapagos Islands at depths typically ranging from 3 to 30 meters. It shows a preference for areas with mixed substrates where it can bury itself in sand when threatened, particularly near reef edges and in protected bays.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Costa Rica

EN

Passiflora chimuensis

Unknown
EN

Palicourea brenesii

Unknown
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Galápagos Razorfish classified as Vulnerable?
Galápagos Razorfish is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Galapagos Razorfish faces significant pressure from its extremely limited range, being endemic to the Galapagos Marine Reserve where it inhabits shallow sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. Climate change poses a particular threat through ocean warming and acidification, which can alter the delicate marine ecosystems this species depends on. Overfishing and habitat degradation from increased tourism and coastal development within the archipelago further compound conservation challenges for this endemic wrasse.
Where does Galápagos Razorfish live?
Galápagos Razorfish occurs in Costa Rica, and Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Galápagos Razorfish?
The main threats to Galápagos Razorfish 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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