Leptopanchax splendens
Overview
Leptolebias splendens, also known as the splendid pearlfish or annual tropical killifish, is a species of killifish in the family Rivulidae endemic to Brazil, in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro. This species was described as Cynolebias splendens in 1942 by George S. Myers with the type locality given as water holes or ponds along the foot of the Serra de Petropolis in Rio de Janeiro State.
Deforestation and urbanisation led to the species disappearance from the area of its type locality and it was thought to be extinct but it was rediscovered 5 kilometres from the type locality some 70 years after the last known previous record.
Leptopanchax splendens faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in West Africa. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities has degraded the shallow freshwater systems this killifish depends on for breeding and survival. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single disturbance events.
Habitat
This killifish inhabits shallow, seasonal freshwater pools, swamps, and slow-moving streams in tropical West African lowlands. The species requires areas with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates for spawning, typically in habitats that experience seasonal flooding cycles.
Other threatened species in APLOCHEILIDAE
Frequently asked questions
Why is Leptopanchax splendens classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Leptopanchax splendens live?
What are the main threats to Leptopanchax splendens?
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