Trematocranus microstoma
EN

Trematocranus microstoma

Declining

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

Overview

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

Trematocranus microstoma faces severe pressure from overfishing in Lake Malawi, where intensive commercial and artisanal fishing operations have dramatically reduced cichlid populations. The species is particularly vulnerable to gill net fishing methods that target the rocky shoreline habitats where it feeds and breeds. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation has altered the lake's ecosystem, affecting the algae and small invertebrates this specialized feeder depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Trematocranus microstoma inhabits the rocky shoreline areas of Lake Malawi, typically found at depths of 5-20 meters where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates among the rocky substrates. The species prefers areas with clear water and abundant rock formations that provide both feeding opportunities and shelter.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Malawi

Slaty EgretVU

Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Phellocalyx vollescenii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trematocranus microstoma classified as Endangered?
Trematocranus microstoma is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Trematocranus microstoma faces severe pressure from overfishing in Lake Malawi, where intensive commercial and artisanal fishing operations have dramatically reduced cichlid populations. The species is particularly vulnerable to gill net fishing methods that target the rocky shoreline habitats where it feeds and breeds. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation has altered the lake's ecosystem, affecting the algae and small invertebrates this specialized feeder depends upon.
Where does Trematocranus microstoma live?
Trematocranus microstoma occurs in Malawi, and Mozambique. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Trematocranus microstoma?
The main threats to Trematocranus microstoma 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.