Palito
EN

Palito

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

Lyhytnokkamonni

Farlowella martini

Unknown
EN

Tabla

Rineloricaria caracasensis

Unknown

Threatened in Brazil

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Erythrodiplax acanthaCR

Erythrodiplax acantha

Unknown
CR

Leporinus pitingai

Unknown
EN

Eugenia brownsbergii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Palito classified as Endangered?
Palito 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 Palito live?
Palito 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 Palito?
The main threats to Palito 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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