Anabarilius qiluensis
Overview
Anabarilius qiluensis is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Xenocyprididae, the East Asian minnows or sharpbellies. This species is endemic to Qilu Lake in Yunnan, but it has not been recorded from that site since the early 1980s. Surveys conducted in 1983-84 failed to find this fish.
In 1964, alien fish were introduced into the lake and prevented this species from reproducing, leading to its decline. The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers this species to be Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct.
Anabarilius qiluensis faces severe threats from water pollution and habitat degradation in its limited range around Qilu Lake in Yunnan Province, China. Dam construction and agricultural runoff have significantly altered water quality and flow patterns in the lake system. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with the entire population confined to a single lake system that continues to experience intensive human pressure.
Habitat
This freshwater fish is endemic to Qilu Lake and its associated tributaries in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The species inhabits shallow lake waters and connected stream systems with specific water chemistry requirements typical of this high-altitude lake ecosystem.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in XENOCYPRIDIDAE
Threatened in China
Frequently asked questions
Why is Anabarilius qiluensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Anabarilius qiluensis live?
What are the main threats to Anabarilius qiluensis?
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