CRCritically Endangered

Hypsolebias auratus

Unknown

Overview

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

Hypsolebias auratus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change-induced alterations in precipitation cycles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching activities further degrades the quality of remaining breeding pools, while the species' restricted range amplifies the impact of any local disturbances.
Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna, particularly in areas with sandy soils that retain water during the rainy season. The species requires shallow, ephemeral water bodies that form during seasonal rains and dry completely during the dry season, allowing their drought-resistant eggs to survive in the substrate.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

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Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hypsolebias auratus classified as Critically Endangered?

Hypsolebias auratus 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. Hypsolebias auratus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change-induced alterations in precipitation cycles. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching activities further degrades the quality of remaining breeding pools, while the species' restricted range amplifies the impact of any local disturbances.

Where does Hypsolebias auratus live?

Hypsolebias auratus occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Hypsolebias auratus?

The main threats to Hypsolebias auratus 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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