CR

Algansea lacustris

Local name: Pátzcuaro Chub

Declining

Overview

The Pátzcuaro chub is a species of freshwater fish in the family Leuciscidae, the shiners, daces and minnows. It is endemic to Lake Pátzcuaro and nearby waters in west-central Mexico. This is a relatively large Algansea, reaching a size similar to the popoche chub.

Algansea lacustris faces severe population decline primarily due to water extraction and diversion for agricultural and urban use, which has dramatically reduced water levels in its native lake systems. Introduced exotic fish species compete directly for resources and alter the ecosystem dynamics that this endemic species depends upon. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades water quality in the remaining habitat fragments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mexican fish inhabits shallow, vegetated areas of lakes and associated tributaries in the central Mexican plateau. It prefers areas with moderate water flow and abundant aquatic vegetation that provide both feeding opportunities and spawning habitat.

Marine oceanic· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pátzcuaro Chub classified as Critically Endangered?
Pátzcuaro Chub 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. Algansea lacustris faces severe population decline primarily due to water extraction and diversion for agricultural and urban use, which has dramatically reduced water levels in its native lake systems. Introduced exotic fish species compete directly for resources and alter the ecosystem dynamics that this endemic species depends upon. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades water quality in the remaining habitat fragments.
Where does Pátzcuaro Chub live?
Pátzcuaro Chub 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 Pátzcuaro Chub?
The main threats to Pátzcuaro Chub are 1.1, 2.1, 2.4, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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