Farlowella curtirostra
EN

Farlowella curtirostra

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Palito faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in South American river systems. Dam construction and water diversions have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades water quality, while overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have reduced wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Palito inhabits fast-flowing rivers and streams with rocky substrates in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. This specialized catfish requires well-oxygenated waters with strong currents and abundant algae growth on rocks and submerged wood.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Loricariidae

EN

Farlowella taphorni

Unknown
CR

Cordylancistrus nephelion

Unknown
EN

Farlowella martini

Unknown
blue-eyed plecVU

blue-eyed plec

Panaque cochliodon

Unknown

Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Farlowella curtirostra classified as Endangered?
Farlowella curtirostra is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Palito faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in South American river systems. Dam construction and water diversions have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for breeding. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades water quality, while overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have reduced wild populations.
Where does Farlowella curtirostra live?
Farlowella curtirostra occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Farlowella curtirostra?
The main threats to Farlowella curtirostra 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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