VU

Lophiosilurus alexandri

Declining

Overview

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

Lophiosilurus alexandri faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions throughout the São Francisco River basin, which fragment populations and alter critical spawning habitats. Mining activities and agricultural runoff have degraded water quality in many tributaries, while overfishing has reduced breeding populations in accessible areas. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to these cumulative anthropogenic impacts.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits rocky rapids and fast-flowing sections of the São Francisco River and its major tributaries in Brazil. It prefers areas with strong currents, rocky substrates, and well-oxygenated water, typically found in the middle and upper reaches of the river system.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lophiosilurus alexandri classified as Vulnerable?
Lophiosilurus alexandri is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Lophiosilurus alexandri faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions throughout the São Francisco River basin, which fragment populations and alter critical spawning habitats. Mining activities and agricultural runoff have degraded water quality in many tributaries, while overfishing has reduced breeding populations in accessible areas. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to these cumulative anthropogenic impacts.
Where does Lophiosilurus alexandri live?
Lophiosilurus alexandri occurs in Brazil, and French Guiana. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lophiosilurus alexandri?
The main threats to Lophiosilurus alexandri 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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