CR

Hephaestus raymondi

Unknown

Overview

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

Hephaestus raymondi faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and water extraction in its limited freshwater range. The species is particularly vulnerable to water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and urban pollution, which affects its specialized feeding requirements. Dam construction and river modification have further fragmented its already restricted habitat, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater fish species inhabits slow-flowing rivers and streams in tropical northern Australia, typically found in areas with rocky substrates and moderate vegetation cover. It prefers clear, well-oxygenated waters with stable flow regimes and is often associated with deeper pools and runs within river systems.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in TERAPONTIDAE

CR

Hephaestus adamsoni

Declining
EN

Leiopotherapon aheneus

Unknown
EN

Syncomistes rastellus

Unknown
EN

Scortum neili

Stable

Threatened in Papua New Guinea

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Hill's Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros edwardshilli

Unknown
VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hephaestus raymondi classified as Critically Endangered?
Hephaestus raymondi 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. Hephaestus raymondi faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and water extraction in its limited freshwater range. The species is particularly vulnerable to water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and urban pollution, which affects its specialized feeding requirements. Dam construction and river modification have further fragmented its already restricted habitat, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
Where does Hephaestus raymondi live?
Hephaestus raymondi occurs in Papua New Guinea. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hephaestus raymondi?
The main threats to Hephaestus raymondi are 11.2, 5.3, 7.1, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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