Tondanichthys kottelati
Overview
Tondanichthys kottelati is a species of viviparous halfbeak endemic to Indonesia, where it is only known from Lake Tondano near Mount Tondano in the far north of the island of Sulawesi. It grows to a length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) SL. Despite being a member of the viviparous halfbeak family, this species is believed to be oviparous. This species was described in 1995 by Bruce Baden Collette and its species name honours the Swiss ichthyologist Maurice Kottelat.
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.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in ZENARCHOPTERIDAE
Threatened in Indonesia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Tondanichthys kottelati classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Tondanichthys kottelati live?
What are the main threats to Tondanichthys kottelati?
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