Spatangus raschi
CR

Spatangus raschi

Local name: toppig sjömus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The toppig sjömus faces severe population declines due to bottom trawling activities that destroy its fragile seafloor habitat and directly harm individuals. Climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification further threaten this species by altering sediment chemistry and reducing food availability in its specialized deep-water environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Deep-water sandy and muddy seafloor sediments in the North Atlantic, typically found at depths between 50-200 meters where it burrows in soft substrates. The species requires stable sediment environments with specific grain sizes and organic content for feeding and reproduction.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Australia

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Montipora effusa

Declining
VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is toppig sjömus classified as Critically Endangered?
toppig sjömus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The toppig sjömus faces severe population declines due to bottom trawling activities that destroy its fragile seafloor habitat and directly harm individuals. Climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification further threaten this species by altering sediment chemistry and reducing food availability in its specialized deep-water environment.
Where does toppig sjömus live?
toppig sjömus occurs in Australia, Canada, Faroe Islands, Ireland, Italy, and Morocco (plus 5 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to toppig sjömus?
The main threats to toppig sjömus 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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