CR

Stomatepia mongo

Unknown

Overview

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

Stomatepia mongo faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is extremely vulnerable to water quality changes, pollution from agricultural runoff, and potential introduction of non-native fish species that could disrupt the lake's delicate endemic ecosystem. Overfishing and human activities around the lake shoreline further threaten this critically endangered cichlid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Stomatepia mongo is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in southwestern Cameroon. This species inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of the lake where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates in the unique volcanic lake ecosystem.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Stomatepia mongo classified as Critically Endangered?
Stomatepia mongo 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. Stomatepia mongo faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is extremely vulnerable to water quality changes, pollution from agricultural runoff, and potential introduction of non-native fish species that could disrupt the lake's delicate endemic ecosystem. Overfishing and human activities around the lake shoreline further threaten this critically endangered cichlid's survival.
Where does Stomatepia mongo live?
Stomatepia mongo occurs in Cameroon. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Stomatepia mongo?
The main threats to Stomatepia mongo are 1.2, 2.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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