CR

Yunnanilus discoloris

Declining

Overview

Yunnanilus discoloris is a species of ray-finned fish, a stone loach, in the genus Yunnanilus. It is currently only in a single spring in the drainage basin of Lake Dianchi in Yunnan.

Yunnanilus discoloris faces severe threats from water pollution and habitat degradation in its restricted range within China's Yunnan Province. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban development have significantly compromised water quality in the freshwater systems this endemic species depends upon. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single pollution events or habitat modifications.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic fish species inhabits freshwater streams and rivers in the mountainous regions of Yunnan Province, China. It typically occurs in clear, well-oxygenated waters with rocky or sandy substrates in highland aquatic ecosystems.

FRESHWATER· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Yunnanilus discoloris classified as Critically Endangered?
Yunnanilus discoloris is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Yunnanilus discoloris faces severe threats from water pollution and habitat degradation in its restricted range within China's Yunnan Province. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban development have significantly compromised water quality in the freshwater systems this endemic species depends upon. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single pollution events or habitat modifications.
Where does Yunnanilus discoloris live?
Yunnanilus discoloris occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Yunnanilus discoloris?
The main threats to Yunnanilus discoloris are 8.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.