Salminus affinis
VU

Salminus affinis

Local name: Sábalo macho

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Sábalo macho populations face severe pressure from overfishing throughout their range, as this large migratory fish is highly valued for commercial and recreational fishing. Dam construction across major river systems fragments their spawning migrations and blocks access to critical breeding grounds. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades water quality in their riverine habitats, while deforestation increases sedimentation that affects their feeding and reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sábalo macho inhabits large river systems and their tributaries across northern South America, preferring deep pools and fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy substrates. This migratory species requires connectivity between different river sections for spawning and feeding, moving between main river channels and floodplain areas seasonally.

FRESHWATER· major

Threatened in Bolivia

Calyptocephalella gayiVU

Calyptocephalella gayi

Declining
Great-billed Seed-finchEN

Great-billed Seed-finch

Sporophila maximiliani

Declining
VU

Tapirus terrestris

Declining
EN

Titicaca Grebe

Rollandia microptera

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sábalo macho classified as Vulnerable?
Sábalo macho is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Sábalo macho populations face severe pressure from overfishing throughout their range, as this large migratory fish is highly valued for commercial and recreational fishing. Dam construction across major river systems fragments their spawning migrations and blocks access to critical breeding grounds. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities degrades water quality in their riverine habitats, while deforestation increases sedimentation that affects their feeding and reproduction.
Where does Sábalo macho live?
Sábalo macho occurs in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sábalo macho?
The main threats to Sábalo macho are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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