VU

perrita

Apteronotus magdalenensis

Unknown

Overview

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

The perrita faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions throughout the Magdalena River basin, which fragment its habitat and alter the electrical conductivity essential for its navigation and feeding. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality in many tributaries, while deforestation in the watershed increases sedimentation that clogs the sandy and muddy substrates where this electric fish forages. Overfishing and habitat modification for aquaculture further reduce available refuge areas in the river's quieter backwaters and tributaries.

Threat summary

Habitat

The perrita inhabits the freshwater systems of the Magdalena River basin in Colombia, preferring slow-moving waters with soft substrates including sandy and muddy bottoms. This electric fish typically occupies deeper pools, backwaters, and tributary mouths where it can navigate using its electrical field to locate invertebrate prey in murky conditions.

FRESHWATER· major

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
EN

Varied White-fronted Capuchin

Cebus versicolor

Declining
VU

Styrax duidae

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is perrita classified as Vulnerable?
perrita 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. The perrita faces severe pressure from dam construction and water diversions throughout the Magdalena River basin, which fragment its habitat and alter the electrical conductivity essential for its navigation and feeding. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality in many tributaries, while deforestation in the watershed increases sedimentation that clogs the sandy and muddy substrates where this electric fish forages. Overfishing and habitat modification for aquaculture further reduce available refuge areas in the river's quieter backwaters and tributaries.
Where does perrita live?
perrita occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to perrita?
The main threats to perrita 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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