Blackspot Allotoca
CR

Blackspot Allotoca

Allotoca maculata

Declining

Photo: Photo: (c) conabio_bancodeimagenes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by conabio_bancodeimagenes

Overview

The blackspot allotoca, also known as the blackspot goodeid, tailspot goodeid, or tiro manchado, is a critically endangered species of fish in the family Goodeidae, endemic to the Lago de Magdalena basin near Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico.

Allotoca maculata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation and water pollution in its native Mexican freshwater systems. The species has experienced dramatic range reduction, with several historical populations now extinct due to urban development and agricultural runoff contaminating its spring-fed habitats. Introduction of non-native fish species has further compromised remaining populations through predation and competition.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mexican goodeid inhabits clear, spring-fed streams and shallow pools in the Lerma River basin of central Mexico. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with stable temperatures and abundant aquatic vegetation for feeding and reproduction.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Blackspot Allotoca classified as Critically Endangered?
Blackspot Allotoca 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. Allotoca maculata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation and water pollution in its native Mexican freshwater systems. The species has experienced dramatic range reduction, with several historical populations now extinct due to urban development and agricultural runoff contaminating its spring-fed habitats. Introduction of non-native fish species has further compromised remaining populations through predation and competition.
Where does Blackspot Allotoca live?
Blackspot Allotoca occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Blackspot Allotoca?
The main threats to Blackspot Allotoca are 11.1, 2.1, 7.2, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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