Chirostoma patzcuaro
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Chirostoma patzcuaro faces severe threats from water pollution and eutrophication in Lake Pátzcuaro, its only known habitat. The introduction of non-native fish species has created intense competition for resources and altered the lake's ecosystem dynamics. Declining water levels due to agricultural water extraction and climate variability have further reduced available habitat, while sedimentation from surrounding agricultural runoff continues to degrade water quality.
Habitat
This endemic silverside fish inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, Mexico. The species prefers areas with aquatic vegetation and clean, well-oxygenated water in this high-altitude volcanic lake system.
