VU

Tomicodon vermiculatus

Unknown

Overview

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

Tomicodon vermiculatus faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion throughout its limited Caribbean range. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from sedimentation and pollution in shallow reef environments where it depends on specific coral and algae associations. Climate change-induced coral bleaching events and ocean acidification further threaten the delicate reef ecosystems this clingfish requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This small clingfish inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky substrates in tropical Caribbean waters, typically found at depths of 1-15 meters. It shows strong association with specific coral species and algae-covered surfaces where it uses its adhesive disc to cling to vertical and overhanging reef faces.

Rocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in GOBIESOCIDAE

VU

Tomicodon bidens

Unknown
VU

Apletodon barbatus

Unknown
EN

Noronha Clingfish

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Unknown
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Gobiesox woodsi

Unknown

Threatened in Costa Rica

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Passiflora chimuensis

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Palicourea brenesii

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EN

Baird's Tapir

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CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tomicodon vermiculatus classified as Vulnerable?
Tomicodon vermiculatus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Tomicodon vermiculatus faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion throughout its limited Caribbean range. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from sedimentation and pollution in shallow reef environments where it depends on specific coral and algae associations. Climate change-induced coral bleaching events and ocean acidification further threaten the delicate reef ecosystems this clingfish requires for survival.
Where does Tomicodon vermiculatus live?
Tomicodon vermiculatus occurs in Costa Rica. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tomicodon vermiculatus?
The main threats to Tomicodon vermiculatus 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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