EN

Sphaerichthys vaillanti

Declining

Overview

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

Sphaerichthys vaillanti faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as peat swamp forests across Southeast Asia are cleared for palm oil plantations and urban development. The species' highly specialized requirements for acidic, tannin-rich blackwater environments make it particularly vulnerable to water quality changes from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution. Collection for the international aquarium trade compounds these pressures, as wild populations are harvested to meet demand for this prized ornamental species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This chocolate gourami inhabits slow-moving, acidic blackwater streams and tributaries within pristine peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia. The species requires heavily vegetated waterways with soft, acidic water conditions and abundant leaf litter that creates the tannin-rich environment essential for its survival.

Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sphaerichthys vaillanti classified as Endangered?
Sphaerichthys vaillanti 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. Sphaerichthys vaillanti faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as peat swamp forests across Southeast Asia are cleared for palm oil plantations and urban development. The species' highly specialized requirements for acidic, tannin-rich blackwater environments make it particularly vulnerable to water quality changes from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution. Collection for the international aquarium trade compounds these pressures, as wild populations are harvested to meet demand for this prized ornamental species.
Where does Sphaerichthys vaillanti live?
Sphaerichthys vaillanti occurs in Indonesia, and Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sphaerichthys vaillanti?
The main threats to Sphaerichthys vaillanti 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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