ENEndangered

Hypsolebias stellatus

Declining

Overview

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

Hypsolebias stellatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced alterations in precipitation cycles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching activities further degrades the quality of remaining breeding pools.
Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna, particularly in areas with sandy soils that retain water during the rainy season. The species requires shallow, ephemeral water bodies that dry completely during the dry season, allowing eggs to survive in the substrate until the next rains.

Savanna· major

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

Flame Rivulus

Cynodonichthys uroflammeus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hypsolebias stellatus classified as Endangered?

Hypsolebias stellatus 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. Hypsolebias stellatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced alterations in precipitation cycles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching activities further degrades the quality of remaining breeding pools.

Where does Hypsolebias stellatus live?

Hypsolebias stellatus 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 Hypsolebias stellatus?

The main threats to Hypsolebias stellatus 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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