EN

Trichonis spined loach

Cobitis trichonica

UnknownENEUENEU

Overview

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

The Trichonis spined loach faces severe threats from water level fluctuations and habitat degradation in Lake Trichonis, its only known habitat. Agricultural runoff and urban development around the lake have led to eutrophication and water quality decline. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to any environmental changes affecting this single lake ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species is found exclusively in Lake Trichonis, Greece's largest freshwater lake, where it inhabits shallow littoral zones with sandy and muddy substrates. The loach prefers areas with aquatic vegetation and typically occurs at depths of 1-3 meters near the lake's shoreline.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Cobitidae

Southern Iberian spined loachVU

Southern Iberian spined loach

Cobitis paludica

Unknown
EN

Louros spined loach

Cobitis hellenica

Unknown
VU

Neretva spined loach

Cobitis narentana

Unknown
WeatherfishCR

Weatherfish

Misgurnus fossilis

Unknown

Threatened in Greece

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Barusia laconica

Unknown
EN

Dianthus desideratus

Unknown
EN

Trichoferus bergeri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trichonis spined loach classified as Endangered?
Trichonis spined loach 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 Trichonis spined loach faces severe threats from water level fluctuations and habitat degradation in Lake Trichonis, its only known habitat. Agricultural runoff and urban development around the lake have led to eutrophication and water quality decline. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to any environmental changes affecting this single lake ecosystem.
Where does Trichonis spined loach live?
Trichonis spined loach occurs in Greece. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Trichonis spined loach?
The main threats to Trichonis spined loach 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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