Gila coriacea
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Gila coriacea faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from dam construction and water diversions that have altered natural flow regimes in the Colorado River basin. Introduced non-native fish species compete for resources and prey on juveniles, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development degrades remaining habitat quality. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by reducing water availability and increasing temperature extremes beyond the species' tolerance range.
Habitat
Gila coriacea inhabits warm, turbid waters of the lower Colorado River system, including main river channels, backwaters, and connected tributaries. The species prefers areas with moderate to swift currents and rocky or sandy substrates, typically at elevations below 1,000 meters.