Ophthalmolebias constanciae
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ophthalmolebias constanciae faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its seasonal pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades the water quality of remaining pools. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns that are critical for the seasonal flooding cycles these killifish depend upon for reproduction.
Habitat
This critically endangered killifish inhabits temporary seasonal pools and shallow wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. These ephemeral water bodies fill during the rainy season and dry completely during drought periods, requiring the species to survive as drought-resistant eggs buried in the substrate.