Starry Stonewort
VU

Starry Stonewort

Nitellopsis obtusa

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Starry Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater systems, which alters water chemistry and promotes algal blooms that outcompete this charophyte. Agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus compounds has degraded many of its historical lake habitats. Water level fluctuations from dam operations and climate change further stress remaining populations by exposing shallow-water colonies to desiccation.

Threat summary

Habitat

Starry Stonewort inhabits clear, calcium-rich freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers, typically growing in shallow waters between 1-8 meters depth. This charophyte requires stable substrates with low nutrient levels and forms dense underwater meadows on sandy or muddy lake bottoms.

Other threatened species in Characeae

Chara filiformisCR

Chara filiformis

Unknown
Pointed StonewortVU

Pointed Stonewort

Nitella mucronata

Unknown
Slender StonewortVU

Slender Stonewort

Nitella gracilis

Unknown
Translucent StonewortVU

Translucent Stonewort

Nitella translucens

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Starry Stonewort classified as Vulnerable?
Starry Stonewort 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. Starry Stonewort faces severe decline due to eutrophication of freshwater systems, which alters water chemistry and promotes algal blooms that outcompete this charophyte. Agricultural runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus compounds has degraded many of its historical lake habitats. Water level fluctuations from dam operations and climate change further stress remaining populations by exposing shallow-water colonies to desiccation.
Where does Starry Stonewort live?
Starry Stonewort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Starry Stonewort?
The main threats to Starry Stonewort 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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