CR

Zacapu Allotoca

Allotoca zacapuensis

Declining

Overview

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

Allotoca zacapuensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water pollution in its extremely limited range around Lake Zacapu in Michoacán, Mexico. Agricultural runoff and urban development have dramatically altered water quality in the shallow lake systems where this endemic goodeid once thrived. The species has experienced catastrophic population declines, with some surveys suggesting it may already be extinct in the wild, making it one of Mexico's most critically imperiled freshwater fish.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic goodeid inhabits shallow, vegetated areas of Lake Zacapu and associated wetlands in the Lerma River basin of Michoacán, Mexico. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and prefers areas with soft substrates and moderate water flow.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorArtificial - Aquatic & marine· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Zacapu Allotoca classified as Critically Endangered?
Zacapu Allotoca 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. Allotoca zacapuensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water pollution in its extremely limited range around Lake Zacapu in Michoacán, Mexico. Agricultural runoff and urban development have dramatically altered water quality in the shallow lake systems where this endemic goodeid once thrived. The species has experienced catastrophic population declines, with some surveys suggesting it may already be extinct in the wild, making it one of Mexico's most critically imperiled freshwater fish.
Where does Zacapu Allotoca live?
Zacapu Allotoca occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Zacapu Allotoca?
The main threats to Zacapu Allotoca are 2.1, 9.3, 9.3.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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