CR

Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus

Declining

Overview

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

Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and cave habitat degradation in its extremely limited range in Guangxi Province, China. Agricultural runoff and industrial contamination directly impact the underground water systems this cave fish depends on for survival. The species' highly specialized cave-dwelling lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water chemistry or cave structure, with no ability to relocate to alternative habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits underground cave systems and associated groundwater networks in limestone karst formations of Guangxi Province, China. It is specifically adapted to the perpetually dark, stable temperature conditions of subterranean aquatic environments with slow-flowing or still water.

Caves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus classified as Critically Endangered?
Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus 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. Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and cave habitat degradation in its extremely limited range in Guangxi Province, China. Agricultural runoff and industrial contamination directly impact the underground water systems this cave fish depends on for survival. The species' highly specialized cave-dwelling lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water chemistry or cave structure, with no ability to relocate to alternative habitats.
Where does Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus live?
Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus?
The main threats to Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus are 1.3, 6.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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