Parosphromenus filamentosus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Parosphromenus filamentosus faces severe habitat degradation from palm oil plantation expansion and logging activities throughout its native peat swamp forests in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised the acidic, tannin-rich water chemistry essential for this species' survival. The aquarium trade has also contributed to population declines, with wild-caught specimens frequently exported despite their specialized habitat requirements making captive breeding challenging.
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow, slow-moving streams and pools within pristine peat swamp forests, requiring highly acidic water (pH 3.0-5.5) rich in tannins and humic acids. The fish depends on dense aquatic vegetation and fallen leaf litter that creates the dark, soft-water conditions characteristic of undisturbed Southeast Asian peat swamps.
