Cnesterodon hypselurus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cnesterodon hypselurus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation and water pollution in its restricted range within the Río de la Plata basin. Urban development and agricultural runoff have significantly altered water quality in the shallow coastal lagoons and slow-moving streams where this small livebearing fish occurs. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with habitat fragmentation further isolating remaining populations.
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow coastal lagoons, slow-moving streams, and marshy areas within the Río de la Plata basin in Argentina and Uruguay. It prefers areas with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates, typically in waters with low to moderate salinity levels.
