CR

Microlepidogaster perforatus

Unknown

Overview

Microlepidogaster perforata is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Loricariidae, the suckermouth armored catfishes, and the subfamily Hypoptopomatinae. the cascudinhos. This catfish is endemic to Brazil where it only known from the Carandaí River, a tributary of the das Velhas River in the state of Minas Gerais. This species reaches a standard length of 5 cm (2.0 in).

Microlepidogaster perforatus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within Brazilian river systems. Mining activities and agricultural runoff have significantly altered water quality and substrate composition in the shallow, rocky streams this species requires. Dam construction and water diversions have further fragmented its already limited habitat, while sedimentation from deforestation has buried the rocky substrates essential for feeding and reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This small armored catfish inhabits shallow, fast-flowing rocky streams and rivers in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil. It requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates and moderate to strong currents, typically found in headwater streams at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Other threatened species in LORICARIIDAE

EN

Ancistrus minutus

Declining
VU

Harttia dissidens

Declining
EN

Pseudotocinclus tietensis

Unknown
EN

Chaetostoma stannii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Microlepidogaster perforatus classified as Critically Endangered?
Microlepidogaster perforatus 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. Microlepidogaster perforatus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within Brazilian river systems. Mining activities and agricultural runoff have significantly altered water quality and substrate composition in the shallow, rocky streams this species requires. Dam construction and water diversions have further fragmented its already limited habitat, while sedimentation from deforestation has buried the rocky substrates essential for feeding and reproduction.
Where does Microlepidogaster perforatus live?
Microlepidogaster perforatus 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 Microlepidogaster perforatus?
The main threats to Microlepidogaster perforatus 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.