CR

Toxolasma cylindrellus

Declining

Overview

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

Toxolasma cylindrellus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff, sedimentation, and dam construction that alters natural flow regimes in its freshwater mussel habitats. Water quality deterioration from industrial pollution and urban development has significantly reduced suitable substrate conditions. The species' dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations in degraded river systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with stable gravel and sand substrates. It requires well-oxygenated waters with minimal sedimentation and depends on specific fish species as hosts during its larval stage.

Wetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

Lampsilis virescensCR

Lampsilis virescens

Unknown
VU

Brazzaea anceyi

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EN

Unio delphinus

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EN

Potomida littoralis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Toxolasma cylindrellus classified as Critically Endangered?
Toxolasma cylindrellus 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. Toxolasma cylindrellus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff, sedimentation, and dam construction that alters natural flow regimes in its freshwater mussel habitats. Water quality deterioration from industrial pollution and urban development has significantly reduced suitable substrate conditions. The species' dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations in degraded river systems.
Where does Toxolasma cylindrellus live?
Toxolasma cylindrellus 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 Toxolasma cylindrellus?
The main threats to Toxolasma cylindrellus are 1.1, 11.4, 2.1, and 7.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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