CRCritically Endangered

Nematogenys inermis

Declining

Photo: (c) labrigo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Overview

Nematogenys inermis is a species of mountain catfish, the only extant species in the family Nematogenyidae. This species is endemic to Chile, where it is found in fresh waters in central Chile. This species grows to a length of 40.7 cm (16.0 in) NG.

Nematogenys inermis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in Chile's central valley watersheds. Water extraction for irrigation and domestic use has significantly reduced stream flows, while sedimentation from deforestation and farming activities has degraded the clear, fast-flowing waters this species requires. Introduced trout species compete for resources and may prey on juvenile bagre chico, further pressuring the already fragmented populations.
Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Chilean catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers in the central valley region, particularly favoring rocky substrates with good water quality. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with minimal sedimentation, typically found in undisturbed watershed areas between 200-800 meters elevation.

Marine intertidal· majorWetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Nematogenys inermis classified as Critically Endangered?

Nematogenys inermis 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. Nematogenys inermis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in Chile's central valley watersheds. Water extraction for irrigation and domestic use has significantly reduced stream flows, while sedimentation from deforestation and farming activities has degraded the clear, fast-flowing waters this species requires. Introduced trout species compete for resources and may prey on juvenile bagre chico, further pressuring the already fragmented populations.

Where does Nematogenys inermis live?

Nematogenys inermis occurs in Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Nematogenys inermis?

The main threats to Nematogenys inermis are 11.1, 7.2, 8.1, and 9.3.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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