CR

Priapichthys puetzi

Unknown

Overview

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

Priapichthys puetzi faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted freshwater range in Central America. The species is particularly vulnerable to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which degrades water quality in the small streams and rivers it inhabits. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations of this small livebearing fish.

Threat summary

Habitat

Priapichthys puetzi inhabits small freshwater streams and shallow rivers in tropical Central America, typically in areas with slow-moving or still water and dense aquatic vegetation. The species prefers habitats with soft substrates and moderate water temperatures in lowland and foothill regions.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Frequently asked questions

Why is Priapichthys puetzi classified as Critically Endangered?
Priapichthys puetzi 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. Priapichthys puetzi faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted freshwater range in Central America. The species is particularly vulnerable to water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, which degrades water quality in the small streams and rivers it inhabits. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations of this small livebearing fish.
Where does Priapichthys puetzi live?
Priapichthys puetzi occurs in Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Priapichthys puetzi?
The main threats to Priapichthys puetzi are 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, and 3.2. 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.