Weatherfish
Misgurnus fossilis
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
30
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misgurnus_fossilis
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Cypriniformes
Family
Cobitidae
Genus
Misgurnus
Weatherfish belongs to the family Cobitidae, order Cypriniformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Weatherfish faces severe population declines across its range due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have dramatically reduced suitable breeding and feeding habitats, while climate change and altered hydrological regimes further threaten remaining populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Shallow, muddy freshwater habitats including floodplains, marshes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers with soft substrates. The species particularly depends on seasonal wetlands and areas with dense aquatic vegetation that provide shelter and feeding opportunities.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Weatherfish faces severe population declines across its range due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution have dramatically reduced suitable breeding and feeding habitats, while climate change and altered hydrological regimes further threaten remaining populations.
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Habitat loss and degradation from agricultural intensification
Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge
Wetland drainage and river channelization
Urban development and infrastructure projects
Found in 30 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/weatherfish