Freshwater Fishes of Central America: Distribution, Assessment, and Major Threats

Abstract

Central America contains a rich diversity of freshwater habitats that support more than 600 species of freshwater fishes. However, despite several perceived threats to the integrity of the freshwater habitats throughout the region, a formal analysis of extinction risk for the region’s ichthyofauna is lacking. In this manuscript, we report an updated checklist of species and a novel comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Central American freshwater fishes by applying the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to species at the global level. We also analyze the distribution of freshwater fishes across Central America and generate baseline geospatial data that can be used in multi-species conservation planning processes, which is available through the Red List Website. Our results indicate that between 15 and 28% of freshwater fishes in the region are threatened with extinction, with considerable uncertainty resulting from elevated data deficiency. We identify major and widespread threats in the region, including pollution, agriculture, aquaculture, biological resource use, natural system modifications, invasive species, and land development. This analysis represents an important first step in formulating effective conservation planning and action initiatives for a taxonomic group that historically has received few protections and can be used to inform conservation priorities of freshwater ecosystems at both national and regional scales.

Niche overlap between sympatric cichlid species of the genus Rocio (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in Guatemala

“…Freshwater fishes in Central America face several threats (see Contreras‐MacBeath et al., 2022). For example, saltwater intrusion due to climate change is expected across the Atlantic slope of Central America, including the Río Dulce basin (Osland et al., 2022).…”

Karakter Meristik dan Morfometrik Spesies Ikan Asing Invasif Parachromis managuensis (Günther 1867) di Waduk Penjalin, Brebes, Jawa Tengah

“…Ikan pada penelitian ini juga lebih kecil jika dibandingkan dengan total panjang ikan hasil tangkapan di habitat aslinya yaitu Amerika Tengah dapat memiliki panjang total 50 cm (Holmes et al, 2020) Di habitat aslinya yaitu perairan Amerika Tengah, memiliki habitat dan sumber daya hayati perairan yang tinggi seperti ostracoda, crustacea, inverterbrata, vertebrata ikan dan juga amphibi yang merupakan sumber makanan ikan P. managuensis. (Contreras-MacBeath et al, 2022). Karakteristik tersebut berbeda dengan kondisi perairan di Waduk Penjalin yang merupakan perairan eutropik yang lebih sesuai untuk kehidupan ikan-ikan herbivora/planktivora (Sentosa et al, 2022).…”