CR

Patzcuaro Silverside

Chirostoma patzcuaro

Declining

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.

Threat summary

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.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Policies and regulations

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CR

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Patzcuaro Silverside classified as Critically Endangered?
Patzcuaro Silverside 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. 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.
Where does Patzcuaro Silverside live?
Patzcuaro Silverside 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 Patzcuaro Silverside?
The main threats to Patzcuaro Silverside are 1.1, 2.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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