CR

Paretroplus dambabe

Declining

Overview

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

Paretroplus dambabe faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Madagascar's freshwater systems, where sedimentation from deforestation and agricultural runoff has dramatically altered water quality. The species is also threatened by competition and hybridization with introduced tilapia species, which have invaded many of its native river systems. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods in its limited range have further reduced population numbers.

Threat summary

Habitat

Paretroplus dambabe inhabits freshwater rivers and streams in the Mahajanga region of northwestern Madagascar. The species prefers clear, flowing waters with rocky or sandy substrates in areas with moderate current and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Madagascar

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining
CR

Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat

Hypogeomys antimena

Declining
Nasolo's Shrew TenrecVU

Nasolo's Shrew Tenrec

Microgale nasoloi

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Paretroplus dambabe classified as Critically Endangered?
Paretroplus dambabe 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. Paretroplus dambabe faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Madagascar's freshwater systems, where sedimentation from deforestation and agricultural runoff has dramatically altered water quality. The species is also threatened by competition and hybridization with introduced tilapia species, which have invaded many of its native river systems. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods in its limited range have further reduced population numbers.
Where does Paretroplus dambabe live?
Paretroplus dambabe occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Paretroplus dambabe?
The main threats to Paretroplus dambabe are 5.3, 8.1, ai-1, and ai-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.