CR

Pseudophoxinus maeandricus

Local name: Sandıklı spring minnow

Declining

Overview

Pseudophoxinus maeandricus is a species of fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae. It is endemic to Turkey, where it is known only from an area near Sandıklı. It is also known as the Sandıklı spring minnow or Menderes brook minnow.

Pseudophoxinus maeandricus faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction that have dramatically reduced water levels in its native river systems. Agricultural expansion and urban development have led to habitat degradation and pollution of remaining freshwater habitats. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and catastrophic events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic freshwater fish inhabits small rivers and streams in the Büyük Menderes River basin of western Turkey. It prefers clear, flowing waters with rocky or gravelly substrates in Mediterranean climate zones.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sandıklı spring minnow classified as Critically Endangered?
Sandıklı spring minnow 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. Pseudophoxinus maeandricus faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction that have dramatically reduced water levels in its native river systems. Agricultural expansion and urban development have led to habitat degradation and pollution of remaining freshwater habitats. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and catastrophic events.
Where does Sandıklı spring minnow live?
Sandıklı spring minnow occurs in Türkiye. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sandıklı spring minnow?
The main threats to Sandıklı spring minnow are 11.1, 7.2, 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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