EN

Tabla

Rineloricaria caracasensis

Unknown

Overview

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

The Tabla faces severe pressure from urban expansion and water pollution in the Caracas metropolitan area, where rapid development has degraded its native river systems. Agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater discharge have significantly altered water chemistry in the coastal rivers of northern Venezuela where this endemic catfish occurs. Dam construction and water extraction for municipal use have further fragmented its already limited habitat range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic armored catfish inhabits fast-flowing, rocky streams and rivers in the coastal mountain ranges of northern Venezuela, particularly in the Caracas region. It prefers clear, well-oxygenated waters with sandy or gravelly substrates where it can attach to rocks and feed on algae and organic matter.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Loricariidae

EN

Farlowella taphorni

Unknown
PalitoEN

Palito

Farlowella curtirostra

Unknown
CR

Cordylancistrus nephelion

Unknown
EN

Lyhytnokkamonni

Farlowella martini

Unknown

Threatened in Colombia

VU

Styrax duidae

Declining
EN

Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum

Declining
EN

Hyloscirtus japreria

Declining
VU

Freziera golondrinensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tabla classified as Endangered?
Tabla is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Tabla faces severe pressure from urban expansion and water pollution in the Caracas metropolitan area, where rapid development has degraded its native river systems. Agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater discharge have significantly altered water chemistry in the coastal rivers of northern Venezuela where this endemic catfish occurs. Dam construction and water extraction for municipal use have further fragmented its already limited habitat range.
Where does Tabla live?
Tabla occurs in Colombia, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tabla?
The main threats to Tabla 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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