CR

Pseudophoxinus hasani

Local name: Marqīyah spring minnow

Declining

Overview

The Marqīyah spring minnow is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Leuciscidae, which includes the daces, Eurasian minnows and related species. It is found in the Nahr Marqīyah stream in Syria. It can grow to 5.8 cm (2.3 in) standard length.

Pseudophoxinus hasani faces severe threats from water extraction and agricultural development that have dramatically reduced water levels in its native springs and streams. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, with pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromising water quality. Climate change-induced drought conditions in the Mediterranean region are exacerbating these pressures by reducing already scarce freshwater resources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic freshwater fish inhabits small springs, streams, and associated wetland areas in the Mediterranean basin. It requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable temperatures and is typically found in shallow areas with rocky or sandy substrates and moderate vegetation cover.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Marqīyah spring minnow classified as Critically Endangered?
Marqīyah spring minnow 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. Pseudophoxinus hasani faces severe threats from water extraction and agricultural development that have dramatically reduced water levels in its native springs and streams. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation, with pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromising water quality. Climate change-induced drought conditions in the Mediterranean region are exacerbating these pressures by reducing already scarce freshwater resources.
Where does Marqīyah spring minnow live?
Marqīyah spring minnow occurs in Syria. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Marqīyah spring minnow?
The main threats to Marqīyah spring minnow are 11.1, 7.2, 9.3.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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