CR

Sternarchorhynchus higuchii

Declining

Overview

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

Sternarchorhynchus higuchii faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat degradation throughout its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Dam construction and river modification projects pose additional risks to this electric fish species, which depends on specific water flow patterns and substrate conditions. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and pollution from mining and agricultural runoff.

Threat summary

Habitat

This electric fish inhabits slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest areas of the Amazon Basin, preferring areas with soft substrates and abundant organic debris. It requires specific water chemistry conditions and relies on the complex root systems and fallen timber of intact riparian forests.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in APTERONOTIDAE

EN

Sternarchorhynchus mendesi

Unknown
VU

Megadontognathus kaitukaensis

Unknown
VU

Sternarchogiton zuanoni

Unknown
CR

Sternarchorhynchus gnomus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sternarchorhynchus higuchii classified as Critically Endangered?
Sternarchorhynchus higuchii 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. Sternarchorhynchus higuchii faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat degradation throughout its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Dam construction and river modification projects pose additional risks to this electric fish species, which depends on specific water flow patterns and substrate conditions. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and pollution from mining and agricultural runoff.
Where does Sternarchorhynchus higuchii live?
Sternarchorhynchus higuchii occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sternarchorhynchus higuchii?
The main threats to Sternarchorhynchus higuchii 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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