Kumakuma
VU

Kumakuma

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Goliath catfish faces severe pressure from commercial overfishing throughout its range, with large adults particularly targeted for their valuable meat and swim bladders. Dam construction across the Amazon basin fragments critical migration routes, preventing access to spawning grounds and disrupting the species' complex life cycle that spans thousands of kilometers. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining, and agricultural runoff further compromises water quality in nursery areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Goliath catfish inhabits large river systems throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins, preferring deep main channels and tributaries with strong currents. This highly migratory species moves between different river sections for feeding and spawning, requiring vast stretches of connected waterways.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Pimelodidae

VU

Trans-Andean shovelnose catfish

Sorubim cuspicaudus

Unknown
Tiger CatfishVU

Tiger Catfish

Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum

Unknown
Vulture CatfishVU

Vulture Catfish

Calophysus macropterus

Unknown
Redtail catfishVU

Redtail catfish

Phractocephalus hemioliopterus

Unknown

Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Kumakuma classified as Vulnerable?
Kumakuma is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Goliath catfish faces severe pressure from commercial overfishing throughout its range, with large adults particularly targeted for their valuable meat and swim bladders. Dam construction across the Amazon basin fragments critical migration routes, preventing access to spawning grounds and disrupting the species' complex life cycle that spans thousands of kilometers. Habitat degradation from deforestation, mining, and agricultural runoff further compromises water quality in nursery areas.
Where does Kumakuma live?
Kumakuma occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, and Paraguay (plus 3 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Kumakuma?
The main threats to Kumakuma 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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