Southern Iberian spined loach
VU

Southern Iberian spined loach

Cobitis paludica

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobitis_paludica

Overview

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

The Southern Iberian spined loach faces severe pressure from water extraction and dam construction across its limited range in southern Spain and Portugal. Agricultural intensification has led to habitat degradation through pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, while introduced fish species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Climate change exacerbates these threats by reducing water availability in already stressed Mediterranean river systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic loach inhabits slow-flowing rivers, streams, and associated wetlands in the Mediterranean basins of southern Spain and Portugal. It prefers shallow waters with sandy or muddy substrates and abundant aquatic vegetation, typically in areas with moderate water flow and good oxygenation.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Cobitidae

EN

Louros spined loach

Cobitis hellenica

Unknown
EN

Trichonis spined loach

Cobitis trichonica

Unknown
VU

Neretva spined loach

Cobitis narentana

Unknown
WeatherfishCR

Weatherfish

Misgurnus fossilis

Unknown

Threatened in Portugal

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Phytosus schatzmayri

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Muscidideicus praetextatusCR

Muscidideicus praetextatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Southern Iberian spined loach classified as Vulnerable?
Southern Iberian spined loach 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. The Southern Iberian spined loach faces severe pressure from water extraction and dam construction across its limited range in southern Spain and Portugal. Agricultural intensification has led to habitat degradation through pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, while introduced fish species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Climate change exacerbates these threats by reducing water availability in already stressed Mediterranean river systems.
Where does Southern Iberian spined loach live?
Southern Iberian spined loach occurs in Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Southern Iberian spined loach?
The main threats to Southern Iberian spined loach 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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