Fish

Threatened Fish


 * Sulawesi Coelacanth ** - // Latimeria menadoensis //



STATUS: VU

Once thought to be extinct altogether, two subspecies of coelecanth were discovered in recent years.It is endemic to the waters surrounding Indonesia, Sulawesi in particular. Its population is estimated to be relatively small, rare (found in deeper waters), and increasing rather slowly. Not many comprehensive population studies have been completed for this species yet.

This species' major threat is its low population, because it has low chance of survival and has a history of extinction. Other threats include bycatch and human want. It is a prized aquarium specimen, but not many can keep it alive.

It is locally protected, by Indonesian government, but further research must be conducted. Shark nets were banned in the waters where it was first discovered.

Erdmann, M. 2008. //Latimeria menadoensis//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.

**Chinese Paddlefish**  - // Psephurus gladius //



STATUS: CR, EW

The Yangtze River is not known for being genial to its larger freshwater species. The Chinese Paddlefish is/was no exception. This species i s endemic to China's Yangtze and its various tributaries, along with the "mouth" of the long river. However, this species only uses this river as a migratory route in order to spawn.

History has shown that this species has been overfished and due to its late sexual maturation, takes time to recover. Aside from overfishing, the Yangtze and its tributaries were subject to damming, thus disturbing this species' route(s) and making spawning more difficult.

In China this species is a first-class state protected animal, but it may be too late...

Qiwei, W. 2009. //Psephurus gladius//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.


 * Giant Grouper**  - //Epinephelus lanceolatus//



STATUS: VU 

The Giant Grouper, although only vulnerable, faces many threats now and in the future. And its decreasing population will not help efforts whatsoever.

The Giant Grouper's biggest foe is fishing (commercial and recreational). It is a very famous aquarium species, being a part of the marine aquarium fish trade. Its innards are of particular interest to some who find it delicious or magical.

It is heavily protected in India, where there is a ban on the capture and sale of this species, and Australia. Australian regulations are not as strict and list it as a lower risk species.

Shuk Man, C. & Ng Wai Chuen 2006. //Epinephelus lanceolatus//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.


 * Southern Bluefin Tuna ** - //Thunnus maccoyii//

<span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> STATUS: CR <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Sushi is a delicacy in Japan and other Asian nations, but it has gone "viral." Demand for sushi has grown in recent years, and many will argue that bluefin tuna is the best.

The species' population dropped by about 92% since global fishing commenced in the 1950's. There are no high hopes as the species faces more and more illegal overfishing by Pacific powers such as Australia and Japan.

Not many regulations are placed on the fishing of this species, but many are to come in the near future, but it may be too late...

Punt, A. 1996. //Thunnus maccoyii//. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.1. <[|www.iucnredlist.org]>.