Aphanius danfordii
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolichthys_danfordii
Overview
Anatolichthys danfordii, the Kızılırmak toothcarp or Sultan Sazlığı toothcarp, is a species of killifish belonging to the family Aphaniidae. It is endemic to the Kızılırmak River and the upper Seyhan River drainage systems and is now restricted to a few locations in the Sultan Sazlığı marshes. Though little data is available, the population of the fish seems to be declining.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being "critically endangered" and fears it may become extinct in the wild if the drainage of the marshes continues.
The Sultan Sazlığı Killifish faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water management practices affecting its limited wetland habitats in Turkey. Agricultural intensification, water extraction, and pollution have dramatically reduced the quality and extent of suitable breeding and feeding areas. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities.
Habitat
Inhabits shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, marshes, and seasonal pools in the Sultan Sazlığı (Sultan Marshes) region of central Turkey. The species is adapted to variable salinity levels and seasonal water fluctuations in these inland wetland systems.
Other threatened species in Cyprinodontidae
Threatened in Türkiye
Frequently asked questions
Why is Aphanius danfordii classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Aphanius danfordii live?
What are the main threats to Aphanius danfordii?
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