VU

Stegastes leucorus

Unknown

Overview

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

Stegastes leucorus faces significant pressure from coral reef degradation throughout its limited range in the Eastern Pacific. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing widespread coral bleaching events that destroy the complex reef structures this damselfish depends on for shelter and feeding territories. Coastal development and pollution from agricultural runoff further compromise water quality in shallow reef environments where the species maintains its territories.

Threat summary

Habitat

Stegastes leucorus inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky reef environments in the Eastern Pacific, typically at depths of 1-15 meters. The species requires complex reef structures with abundant coral cover and crevices for shelter, establishing and defending small territories around feeding areas.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in POMACENTRIDAE

Azurina eupalamaCR

Azurina eupalama

Declining
EN

Trindade Gregory

Stegastes trindadensis

Declining
EN

Black Damselfish

Chrysiptera niger

Declining
VU

Azure Demoiselle

Chrysiptera hemicyanea

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Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stegastes leucorus classified as Vulnerable?
Stegastes leucorus 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. Stegastes leucorus faces significant pressure from coral reef degradation throughout its limited range in the Eastern Pacific. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing widespread coral bleaching events that destroy the complex reef structures this damselfish depends on for shelter and feeding territories. Coastal development and pollution from agricultural runoff further compromise water quality in shallow reef environments where the species maintains its territories.
Where does Stegastes leucorus live?
Stegastes leucorus occurs in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Portugal (plus 1 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Stegastes leucorus?
The main threats to Stegastes leucorus 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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