ENEndangered

Melanorivulus scalaris

Declining

Overview

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

Melanorivulus scalaris faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region, where urban expansion and agricultural conversion have fragmented its freshwater environments. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste, which degrades the water quality essential for this killifish's survival. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the seasonal water bodies this species depends upon.
Threat summary

Habitat

This killifish inhabits small freshwater streams, temporary pools, and seasonal wetlands in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species typically occurs in shallow, slow-moving waters with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates.

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

Flame Rivulus

Cynodonichthys uroflammeus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melanorivulus scalaris classified as Endangered?

Melanorivulus scalaris 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. Melanorivulus scalaris faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region, where urban expansion and agricultural conversion have fragmented its freshwater environments. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to water pollution from agricultural runoff and domestic waste, which degrades the water quality essential for this killifish's survival. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the seasonal water bodies this species depends upon.

Where does Melanorivulus scalaris live?

Melanorivulus scalaris 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 scalaris?

The main threats to Melanorivulus scalaris 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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