VUVulnerable

Melanorivulus illuminatus

Unknown

Overview

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

Melanorivulus illuminatus faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development throughout its limited range in southeastern Brazil. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste significantly impacts the shallow freshwater systems this species depends on. The conversion of natural wetlands to cattle pastures and crop fields has fragmented remaining populations, while climate change threatens to alter the hydrological patterns of its seasonal breeding habitats.
Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits shallow, temporary freshwater pools, seasonal wetlands, and slow-flowing streams in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil. It typically occurs in areas with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates, often in habitats that dry completely during the dry season.

Savanna· major

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

Flame Rivulus

Cynodonichthys uroflammeus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melanorivulus illuminatus classified as Vulnerable?

Melanorivulus illuminatus 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. Melanorivulus illuminatus faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development throughout its limited range in southeastern Brazil. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste significantly impacts the shallow freshwater systems this species depends on. The conversion of natural wetlands to cattle pastures and crop fields has fragmented remaining populations, while climate change threatens to alter the hydrological patterns of its seasonal breeding habitats.

Where does Melanorivulus illuminatus live?

Melanorivulus illuminatus 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 Melanorivulus illuminatus?

The main threats to Melanorivulus illuminatus 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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