CR

Golden Line Fish

Sinocyclocheilus grahami

Declining

Overview

The golden-line barbel is a species of cyprinid fish endemic to Dian Lake and its tributaries in Yunnan, China. It has been extirpated from the lake itself due to heavy pollution, but survives in a single tributary and a few small temple ponds. This species can reach a length of 23 centimetres (9.1 in) though most are only around 17 centimetres (6.7 in). The greatest weight known for this species is 250 grams (8.8 oz).

Sinocyclocheilus grahami faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and habitat degradation in its restricted karst cave systems in Yunnan Province, China. Agricultural runoff and industrial contamination have compromised water quality in the underground aquifers that sustain this cave-dwelling fish. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with tourism development and limestone quarrying activities further threatening the integrity of its cave habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits underground karst cave systems and associated groundwater networks in Yunnan Province, China. It occupies the dark, oxygen-poor waters of limestone caves where it has adapted to a completely subterranean lifestyle.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Golden Line Fish classified as Critically Endangered?
Golden Line Fish is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Sinocyclocheilus grahami faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and habitat degradation in its restricted karst cave systems in Yunnan Province, China. Agricultural runoff and industrial contamination have compromised water quality in the underground aquifers that sustain this cave-dwelling fish. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with tourism development and limestone quarrying activities further threatening the integrity of its cave habitat.
Where does Golden Line Fish live?
Golden Line Fish occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Golden Line Fish?
The main threats to Golden Line Fish are 5.4, 8.1, 9.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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