CR

Neoplecostomus botucatu

Unknown

Overview

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

Neoplecostomus botucatu faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Paranapanema River basin in São Paulo state, Brazil. Urban development, agricultural expansion, and water pollution from industrial and domestic sources have significantly impacted the clear, fast-flowing streams this endemic catfish requires. Dam construction and water extraction for irrigation have altered natural flow regimes, while sedimentation from deforestation reduces water quality in its specialized rocky substrate habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and small rivers with rocky substrates in the Paranapanema River basin of São Paulo state, Brazil. It requires well-oxygenated waters with moderate to strong currents and prefers areas with boulder and cobble bottoms where it can find shelter and feeding opportunities.

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 Neoplecostomus botucatu classified as Critically Endangered?
Neoplecostomus botucatu 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. Neoplecostomus botucatu faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Paranapanema River basin in São Paulo state, Brazil. Urban development, agricultural expansion, and water pollution from industrial and domestic sources have significantly impacted the clear, fast-flowing streams this endemic catfish requires. Dam construction and water extraction for irrigation have altered natural flow regimes, while sedimentation from deforestation reduces water quality in its specialized rocky substrate habitats.
Where does Neoplecostomus botucatu live?
Neoplecostomus botucatu 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 Neoplecostomus botucatu?
The main threats to Neoplecostomus botucatu 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.