Rainbow Goodeid
CR

Rainbow Goodeid

Characodon lateralis

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_goodeid

Overview

The rainbow goodeid is a species of critically endangered freshwater fish in the family Goodeidae, and are endemic to Mexico. Specifically, they are found in shallow springs and ponds in the Durango and Coahuila area. They were first identified in 1866 by Albert Günther.

Characodon lateralis faces severe threats from habitat destruction and water extraction in its extremely limited range in northwestern Mexico. The species is restricted to a few isolated spring systems and small streams, making it highly vulnerable to groundwater depletion from agricultural and municipal water use. Introduced species, particularly non-native fish, pose additional pressure through competition and predation in these fragile aquatic ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mexican fish inhabits small freshwater springs, pools, and slow-flowing streams in desert and semi-arid regions of northwestern Mexico. The species requires clear, shallow waters with rocky or sandy substrates and is typically found in areas with aquatic vegetation.

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

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in GOODEIDAE

Highland SplitfinCR

Highland Splitfin

Hubbsina turneri

Declining
Blackspot AllotocaCR

Blackspot Allotoca

Allotoca maculata

Declining
EN

Picotee Goodeid

Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis

Declining
EN

Whitepatched Splitfin

Allodontichthys hubbsi

Declining

Threatened in Japan

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
Horned GrebeVU

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

Declining
EN

Montipora taiwanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rainbow Goodeid classified as Critically Endangered?
Rainbow Goodeid 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. Characodon lateralis faces severe threats from habitat destruction and water extraction in its extremely limited range in northwestern Mexico. The species is restricted to a few isolated spring systems and small streams, making it highly vulnerable to groundwater depletion from agricultural and municipal water use. Introduced species, particularly non-native fish, pose additional pressure through competition and predation in these fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Where does Rainbow Goodeid live?
Rainbow Goodeid occurs in Japan, and Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rainbow Goodeid?
The main threats to Rainbow Goodeid are 1.1, 2.1, 5.1, and 6.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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