VU

Cachema Weakfish

Cynoscion phoxocephalus

Unknown

Overview

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

The Yellow Corvina faces severe pressure from intensive commercial and artisanal fishing throughout its range, with populations declining due to overharvesting of both juveniles and adults. Coastal development and pollution in estuarine nursery areas have degraded critical breeding habitats, while climate change is altering ocean temperatures and currents that affect prey distribution and spawning success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Yellow Corvina inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore marine environments along the Pacific coast of Central and South America. The species relies on shallow estuarine areas as nursery grounds for juveniles, while adults move between coastal and offshore waters for feeding and spawning.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Sciaenidae

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cachema Weakfish classified as Vulnerable?
Cachema Weakfish 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. The Yellow Corvina faces severe pressure from intensive commercial and artisanal fishing throughout its range, with populations declining due to overharvesting of both juveniles and adults. Coastal development and pollution in estuarine nursery areas have degraded critical breeding habitats, while climate change is altering ocean temperatures and currents that affect prey distribution and spawning success.
Where does Cachema Weakfish live?
Cachema Weakfish occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Mexico (plus 3 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 Cachema Weakfish?
The main threats to Cachema Weakfish 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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