Southern Whitetail Major
VU

Southern Whitetail Major

Stegastes beebei

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Southern Whitetail Major faces significant pressure from coral reef degradation throughout its Caribbean range, as bleaching events and ocean acidification destroy the complex reef structures essential for its territorial behavior and feeding. Coastal development and increased sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade water quality in shallow reef environments where this damselfish establishes its territories. Overfishing of herbivorous fish species disrupts the delicate algal balance that S. beebei depends on for food, while climate change-induced temperature fluctuations stress both the fish and their coral habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This damselfish inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Caribbean, typically at depths of 1-15 meters where it establishes and aggressively defends small territories. It shows strong preference for areas with abundant coral cover and algal growth, particularly around reef crests and shallow lagoons with good water circulation.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
EN

Varied White-fronted Capuchin

Cebus versicolor

Declining
VU

Styrax duidae

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Southern Whitetail Major classified as Vulnerable?
Southern Whitetail Major 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 Whitetail Major faces significant pressure from coral reef degradation throughout its Caribbean range, as bleaching events and ocean acidification destroy the complex reef structures essential for its territorial behavior and feeding. Coastal development and increased sedimentation from land-based activities further degrade water quality in shallow reef environments where this damselfish establishes its territories. Overfishing of herbivorous fish species disrupts the delicate algal balance that S. beebei depends on for food, while climate change-induced temperature fluctuations stress both the fish and their coral habitat.
Where does Southern Whitetail Major live?
Southern Whitetail Major occurs in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Southern Whitetail Major?
The main threats to Southern Whitetail Major 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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