At a Glance
The iridescent Golden Skiffia is a small freshwater fish that only lives in the Teuchitlán River system in western Mexico. The Golden Skiffia was declared Extinct in the Wild in 1996 after the construction of dams, pollution, non-native fish and unsustainable water use caused the species’ numbers to plummet and eventually completely disappear from the river.
The Golden Skiffia inhabits shallow, spring-fed slow-moving water, which can range from clear spring pools to darker, murky waters rich in aquatic plants. It primarily feeds on algae growing on rocks and other submerged surfaces.
Conservationists and local communities have created a conservation breeding program for the species, which includes raising fish and allowing them to acclimate to the Teuchitlán River before fully releasing them. One thousand Golden Skiffia were released to the wild as part of the program in 2022.
At a glance
Taxa
Fish
Geography
Mexico
Status
Extinct in the Wild
Habitat
Freshwater river systems
Estimated Population
Unknown
Threats
Water extraction, pollution, introduced invasive species
Potential Recovery Actions
Captive breeding, habitat restoration, reintroduction into native river, community stewardship
