CR

Xyrauchen texanus

Declining

Overview

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

The razorback sucker faces severe population decline due to dam construction that has fragmented its Colorado River habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning. Non-native fish species, particularly predatory game fish, prey heavily on juveniles and compete for resources. Water diversions for agriculture and urban development have reduced available habitat, while the species' specialized reproductive requirements make it extremely vulnerable to continued river modifications.

Threat summary

Habitat

The razorback sucker inhabits warm, turbid waters of the Colorado River system, including backwaters, eddies, and slow-moving river sections. It requires specific spawning habitats with gravel bars and seasonal flooding patterns that have been largely eliminated by dam construction.

Marine intertidal· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· majorRocky areas· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Xyrauchen texanus classified as Critically Endangered?
Xyrauchen texanus 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. The razorback sucker faces severe population decline due to dam construction that has fragmented its Colorado River habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for spawning. Non-native fish species, particularly predatory game fish, prey heavily on juveniles and compete for resources. Water diversions for agriculture and urban development have reduced available habitat, while the species' specialized reproductive requirements make it extremely vulnerable to continued river modifications.
Where does Xyrauchen texanus live?
Xyrauchen texanus occurs in Canada, Mexico, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Xyrauchen texanus?
The main threats to Xyrauchen texanus are 11.4, 7.2, 8.1, and 8.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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