Brycon insignis
EN

Brycon insignis

Declining

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

Overview

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

Brycon insignis faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction and river modifications throughout its range in southeastern Brazil's Atlantic coastal rivers. Overfishing has significantly reduced populations, as this large characin is highly valued for sport fishing and local consumption. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades the clear, fast-flowing waters this species requires for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Brycon insignis inhabits clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Atlantic coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil, particularly favoring areas with rocky substrates and well-oxygenated waters. The species requires pristine headwater streams for spawning and juvenile development, making it highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in BRYCONIDAE

EN

Brycon devillei

Unknown
EN

Brycon orbignyanus

Declining
EN

Brycon gouldingi

Declining
EN

Brycon vermelha

Declining

Threatened in Brazil

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Sao Bento Button Frog

Cycloramphus diringshofeni

Unknown
CR

Atlantic Helicopter

Platystigma pronoti

Unknown
Artichoke CoralCR

Artichoke Coral

Scolymia cubensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brycon insignis classified as Endangered?
Brycon insignis 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. Brycon insignis faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction and river modifications throughout its range in southeastern Brazil's Atlantic coastal rivers. Overfishing has significantly reduced populations, as this large characin is highly valued for sport fishing and local consumption. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades the clear, fast-flowing waters this species requires for successful reproduction.
Where does Brycon insignis live?
Brycon insignis occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brycon insignis?
The main threats to Brycon insignis 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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