EN

Alestopetersius nigropterus

Unknown

Overview

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

Alestopetersius nigropterus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and deforestation within its limited range in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Water pollution from mining activities and agricultural runoff has contaminated the freshwater systems this species depends on for survival. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with dam construction and water extraction further fragmenting its already limited habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater fish species inhabits rivers and streams in the Congo Basin, preferring clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate current flow. It typically occurs in forested waterways where riparian vegetation provides shade and contributes to the aquatic food web.

Marine oceanic· major

Other threatened species in ALESTIDAE

CR

Rhabdalestes leleupi

Declining
EN

Brachyalestes carolinae

Unknown
EN

Bryconalestes derhami

Unknown
Ladigesia roloffiCR

Ladigesia roloffi

Unknown

Threatened in Congo - Brazzaville

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Willard's Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus willardi

Declining
EN

Kahuzi Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus kahuzi

Declining
VU

Okoubaka michelsonii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Alestopetersius nigropterus classified as Endangered?
Alestopetersius nigropterus 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. Alestopetersius nigropterus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and deforestation within its limited range in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Water pollution from mining activities and agricultural runoff has contaminated the freshwater systems this species depends on for survival. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with dam construction and water extraction further fragmenting its already limited habitat.
Where does Alestopetersius nigropterus live?
Alestopetersius nigropterus occurs in Congo - Brazzaville, and Congo - Kinshasa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Alestopetersius nigropterus?
The main threats to Alestopetersius nigropterus 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.