Tondanichthys kottelati
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Tondanichthys kottelati faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its extremely limited range within the Tondano Lake system of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The species is critically endangered due to water pollution from agricultural runoff, urban development, and aquaculture activities that have dramatically altered the lake's water chemistry. Introduction of non-native fish species has created additional competitive pressure, while sedimentation from deforestation in the surrounding watershed continues to degrade the benthic habitats essential for this endemic species.
Habitat
This endemic freshwater fish inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas and sandy bottoms of Tondano Lake in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with specific pH and temperature conditions found only in this ancient volcanic lake system.
