CR

Stomatepia mariae

Unknown

Overview

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

Stomatepia mariae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is particularly vulnerable to water quality changes, sedimentation from agricultural runoff, and potential introduction of non-native fish species. Its extremely restricted range makes any local environmental disturbance potentially catastrophic for the entire population.

Threat summary

Habitat

Stomatepia mariae is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in southwestern Cameroon. This cichlid fish inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of the lake where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates in the littoral zone.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Cameroon

VU

Justicia orbicularis

Declining
Brachystephanus kupeensisCR

Brachystephanus kupeensis

Declining
VU

Whitfieldia preussii

Declining
EN

Justicia leucoxiphus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stomatepia mariae classified as Critically Endangered?
Stomatepia mariae 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 mariae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is particularly vulnerable to water quality changes, sedimentation from agricultural runoff, and potential introduction of non-native fish species. Its extremely restricted range makes any local environmental disturbance potentially catastrophic for the entire population.
Where does Stomatepia mariae live?
Stomatepia mariae 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 mariae?
The main threats to Stomatepia mariae 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.

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.