CR

Grundulus quitoensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Grundulus quitoensis faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion around Quito, Ecuador, which has dramatically reduced its highland stream habitat. Agricultural intensification and water extraction for municipal use have further degraded the remaining aquatic ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and pollution events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater fish inhabits cool, fast-flowing highland streams and tributaries in the Andean region around Quito, Ecuador, typically at elevations between 2,500-3,200 meters. It requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates and minimal human disturbance.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

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Hasemania maxillarisCR

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Grundulus quitoensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Grundulus quitoensis 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. Grundulus quitoensis faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion around Quito, Ecuador, which has dramatically reduced its highland stream habitat. Agricultural intensification and water extraction for municipal use have further degraded the remaining aquatic ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and pollution events.
Where does Grundulus quitoensis live?
Grundulus quitoensis occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Grundulus quitoensis?
The main threats to Grundulus quitoensis are 11.1, 7.2, 8.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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