Rhizosomichthys totae
CR

Rhizosomichthys totae

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Rhizosomichthys totae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Colombia's Magdalena River basin, where agricultural expansion and urban development have dramatically altered its freshwater environment. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has compromised water quality in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with dam construction and water extraction further fragmenting its already limited habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater fish is endemic to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia, inhabiting specific riverine environments with particular water chemistry and flow characteristics. It requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with specific substrate conditions typical of neotropical river systems.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rhizosomichthys totae classified as Critically Endangered?
Rhizosomichthys totae 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. Rhizosomichthys totae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Colombia's Magdalena River basin, where agricultural expansion and urban development have dramatically altered its freshwater environment. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge has compromised water quality in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with dam construction and water extraction further fragmenting its already limited habitat.
Where does Rhizosomichthys totae live?
Rhizosomichthys totae occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rhizosomichthys totae?
The main threats to Rhizosomichthys totae are 2.1, 8.1, 9.3.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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