CR

Polka-dot Splitfin

Chapalichthys pardalis

Declining

Overview

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

Chapalichthys pardalis faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat modification and water extraction in the Lerma River system. The species has experienced dramatic range reduction, with several historical populations now extirpated due to dam construction, agricultural diversions, and urban development that have altered natural flow regimes. Introduced exotic fish species compete directly with this endemic goodeid, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban discharge further degrades remaining habitat quality.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mexican goodeid inhabits shallow, slow-flowing sections of the Lerma River system in central Mexico, particularly areas with aquatic vegetation and soft substrates. The species prefers clear, well-oxygenated waters with temperatures between 18-24°C and is typically found in depths of 0.5-2 meters.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Polka-dot Splitfin classified as Critically Endangered?
Polka-dot Splitfin 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. Chapalichthys pardalis faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat modification and water extraction in the Lerma River system. The species has experienced dramatic range reduction, with several historical populations now extirpated due to dam construction, agricultural diversions, and urban development that have altered natural flow regimes. Introduced exotic fish species compete directly with this endemic goodeid, while water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban discharge further degrades remaining habitat quality.
Where does Polka-dot Splitfin live?
Polka-dot Splitfin 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 Polka-dot Splitfin?
The main threats to Polka-dot Splitfin 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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