Ohrid spirlin
VU

Ohrid spirlin

Alburnoides ohridanus

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alburnoides_ohridanus

Overview

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

The Ohrid spirlin faces severe pressure from water pollution and eutrophication in Lake Ohrid, driven by agricultural runoff and inadequate wastewater treatment from surrounding settlements. Introduced fish species compete for resources and alter the lake's delicate ecosystem balance. Climate change threatens to disrupt the lake's unique thermal stratification patterns, potentially affecting the species' specialized habitat requirements in this ancient Balkan lake system.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Ohrid spirlin is endemic to Lake Ohrid, inhabiting the pelagic and littoral zones of this ancient oligotrophic lake system on the border between North Macedonia and Albania. This species prefers well-oxygenated waters with specific temperature and nutrient conditions that characterize the unique ecosystem of Lake Ohrid.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ohrid spirlin classified as Vulnerable?
Ohrid spirlin is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Ohrid spirlin faces severe pressure from water pollution and eutrophication in Lake Ohrid, driven by agricultural runoff and inadequate wastewater treatment from surrounding settlements. Introduced fish species compete for resources and alter the lake's delicate ecosystem balance. Climate change threatens to disrupt the lake's unique thermal stratification patterns, potentially affecting the species' specialized habitat requirements in this ancient Balkan lake system.
Where does Ohrid spirlin live?
Ohrid spirlin occurs in Albania, Azerbaijan, Greece, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ohrid spirlin?
The main threats to Ohrid spirlin 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.

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