EN

Scleromystax macropterus

Unknown

Overview

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

Scleromystax macropterus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. Urban expansion, agricultural conversion, and water pollution from industrial activities have significantly reduced the quality of freshwater streams this armored catfish depends upon. Dam construction and water extraction for human use have altered natural flow patterns, while sedimentation from deforestation has degraded spawning areas essential for reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This armored catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing freshwater streams and tributaries within Brazil's Atlantic Forest biome. It prefers rocky substrates with moderate to strong currents, typically found at elevations between 200-800 meters in well-oxygenated waters with dense riparian vegetation.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in CALLICHTHYIDAE

EN

Corydoras griseus

Unknown
VU

Corydoras boehlkei

Unknown
Corydoras simulatusVU

Corydoras simulatus

Declining
VU

Corydoras hephaestus

Unknown

Threatened in Brazil

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

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Columbina cyanopisCR

Columbina cyanopis

Declining
Artichoke CoralCR

Artichoke Coral

Scolymia cubensis

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scleromystax macropterus classified as Endangered?
Scleromystax macropterus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Scleromystax macropterus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. Urban expansion, agricultural conversion, and water pollution from industrial activities have significantly reduced the quality of freshwater streams this armored catfish depends upon. Dam construction and water extraction for human use have altered natural flow patterns, while sedimentation from deforestation has degraded spawning areas essential for reproduction.
Where does Scleromystax macropterus live?
Scleromystax macropterus occurs in Brazil, and Paraguay. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scleromystax macropterus?
The main threats to Scleromystax macropterus 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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