VU

Socorran Soapfish

Rypticus courtenayi

Unknown

Overview

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

Rypticus courtenayi faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion throughout its Caribbean range, which degrades the shallow reef and rocky bottom habitats essential for its survival. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices in the region have reduced prey availability and damaged the complex reef structures this species depends on for shelter and foraging. Climate change-induced coral bleaching events and ocean acidification further threaten the integrity of its reef ecosystem, while pollution from coastal runoff introduces toxins and sediments that compromise water quality in its shallow marine environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Rypticus courtenayi inhabits shallow coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and seagrass beds in tropical Caribbean waters, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. This species prefers areas with complex reef structure that provide adequate shelter and hunting grounds for small fish and crustaceans.

Rocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in SERRANIDAE

EN

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Hypoplectrus maya

Declining
VU

Socorro Serrano

Serranus socorroensis

Unknown
EN

Veracruz White Hamlet

Hypoplectrus castroaguirrei

Unknown
CR

Striped Hamlet

Hypoplectrus liberte

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Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

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CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

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EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Socorran Soapfish classified as Vulnerable?
Socorran Soapfish 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. Rypticus courtenayi faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion throughout its Caribbean range, which degrades the shallow reef and rocky bottom habitats essential for its survival. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices in the region have reduced prey availability and damaged the complex reef structures this species depends on for shelter and foraging. Climate change-induced coral bleaching events and ocean acidification further threaten the integrity of its reef ecosystem, while pollution from coastal runoff introduces toxins and sediments that compromise water quality in its shallow marine environment.
Where does Socorran Soapfish live?
Socorran Soapfish occurs in Mexico, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Socorran Soapfish?
The main threats to Socorran Soapfish 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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