The disappearance of marine species is not a new occurrence, but with ever-increasing environmental pressures, the rate of extinction is a growing concern. It’s essential to understand which fish species have already succumbed to these pressures and have become extinct, to grasp the gravity of the situation and to learn from past mistakes.
Each extinct fish serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to ensure that current conservation efforts are effective and improved upon when necessary.
Here is a list of 15 fish that have vanished from our waters, how they lived, and what led to their unfortunate demise.
List of Fishes That Went Extinct
1. Tecopa Pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis)
The Tecopa Pupfish was native to the hot springs of the Mojave Desert in California, where it thrived in water temperatures almost too hot for any other fish. Isolation to such a specific habitat left the species vulnerable to any changes in their environment.
Development in the region for tourism and agriculture altered the water flow and quality.
These changes, combined with competition from introduced species, resulted in the extinction of the Tecopa Pupfish in 1970.
2. Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius)
This large freshwater fish, native to the Yangtze River, was once an apex predator in its ecosystem. Human activities, primarily overfishing and habitat fragmentation due to dam construction, pushed this species to decline.
The last confirmed sighting of the Chinese Paddlefish was in 2003. Regrettably, it was declared extinct in 2020 after extensive searches proved fruitless.
3. Galapagos Damselfish (Azurina eupalama)
The Galapagos Damselfish was indigenous to the Galapagos Islands, an area teeming with unique biodiversity. It was last seen in 1982, and by 1990, it was feared extinct.
Unusually strong El Niño events, which cause dramatic changes in water temperature, are believed to have disrupted the food supply and habitats necessary for this species’ survival.
Climate change is likely the driving factor behind the dangerous strength and frequency of these El Niño events.
4. Blue Walleye (Sander vitreus glaucus)
Distinct from the Yellow Walleye, the Blue Walleye inhabited the Great Lakes and was a staple for both commercial and recreational fishers. By the 1960s, populations were in severe decline.
Pollution and habitat destruction played significant roles in its vanishing. Coupled with commercial overexploitation, the Blue Walleye was last seen in the wild in the 1980s.
5. Blackfin Cisco (Coregonus nigripinnis)
Native to the Great Lakes, the Blackfin Cisco was part of a group of fish known as ‘deepwater ciscos.’ Competition with invasive species, along with overfishing, were critical in its decline.
Water quality issues also contributed significantly to its habitat’s degradation. The species was declared extinct in 1996.
6. Silver Trout (Salvelinus agassizi)
This fish inhabited the cold, deep waters of New Hampshire’s lakes. It was smaller and less colorful than other trout species.
Its disappearance is attributed to the introduction of non-native fish, which outcompeted the Silver Trout for resources and possibly interbred with it. It was last officially recorded in 1930.
7. Deepwater Cisco (Coregonus johannae)
Another victim among the deepwater ciscos of the Great Lakes, the Deepwater Cisco was affected by similar ecological pressures as its relatives.
The introduction of invasive species, particularly the sea lamprey and Alewife, upset the ecosystem balance. It was declared extinct in 1972.
8. Pahranagat Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta jordani)
A freshwater species from Nevada, this fish was adapted to the turbid, variable conditions of desert streams. Changes in its habitat due to water diversion and exploitation for agriculture were detrimental.
Non-native species were introduced, leading to increased competition and predation. It was declared extinct in 1986.
9. Phantom Shiner (Notropis orca)
The Phantom Shiner was exclusive to the Rio Grande basin in North America. Its primary threat was the alteration of its natural river environment, primarily due to dam construction and river channelization.
Overfishing also played a role in its decline.
Sadly, it is considered extinct as it has not been seen since the 1950s.
10. Santa Cruz Pupfish (Cyprinodon arcuatus)
Native to Arizona and California, the Santa Cruz Pupfish was a hardy desert fish. Industrial and agricultural activity depleted the aquifers and streams that were its habitat.
Destructive floods in the 1970s and ’80s further reduced its chances of survival. The species was declared extinct in 1986.
11. Alburfera Minnow (Aphanius iberus)
While other populations of this species survive elsewhere, the unique variant that lived in Spain’s Albufera Lake and surrounding waters is no longer found.
Urbanization, wetland drainage, and introduction of invasive species pressured the Alburfera Minnow.
Its extinction date is not precisely known but is considered to have occurred after the mid-20th century.
12. Longjaw Cisco (Coregonus alpenae)
Yet another deepwater cisco from the Great Lakes, the Longjaw Cisco had a more elongated snout than its relatives. It faced the same combination of overfishing, habitat destruction, and invasive species pressures.
The Longjaw Cisco has not been seen since the 1960s and was declared extinct in 1983.
13. Harelip Sucker (Moxostoma lacerum)
A freshwater fish, it was native to the mobile basin in the United States. Water pollution and sedimentation harmed its habitat and reproduction rates.
Competition with invasive species also contributed to its decline. It was declared extinct in the early 20th century.
14. Ivory-Billed Aracuana (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)
This unique catfish was found in the tributaries of the Amazon River. Industrial development alongside deforestation led to significant habitat loss and degradation.
The last confirmed sighting was in the late 20th century. Although searches have been made, none have been successful, and the species is considered extinct.
15. Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii macdonaldi)
Endemic to Colorado’s Arkansas River basin, the Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout boasted distinct yellow fins. Habitat loss, introduced diseases, and competition from other trout species led to its decline.
It was last seen in the wild in the early 1900s. In 2008, after exhaustive research concluded there were no surviving populations, it was officially declared extinct.
What causes fish species to go extinct?
Extinction in fish species can be attributed to several critical factors.
Firstly, habitat destruction stands as a primary cause — this can range from pollution to the dredging of riverbeds.
Secondly, overfishing has dramatically reduced populations, pushing species beyond the point of recovery.
Can extinct fish species ever be brought back?
The prospect of “de-extinction” is fascinating but fraught with challenges. Currently, science has not advanced to the point where we can bring extinct fish species back to life.
Efforts are focused on conservation and the protection of endangered species to prevent further loss. It’s crucial to channel resources and attention towards these goals, rather than depending on uncertain future technologies.
Misconceptions about de-extinction can distract from the urgent action needed today. Therefore, the best course of action is preservation and protection of existing species.
What are some examples of extinct fishes?
Several fish species have unfortunately been declared extinct. The Passenger Pigeon and the Tasmanian tiger are often mentioned, but in the aquatic realm, we’ve lost the Chinese paddlefish, declared extinct in 2020.
The Tecopa pupfish, native to North America, is another species lost to us, as are the Yangtze River dolphin (baiji), though not a fish, it’s an example of aquatic extinction.
These cases serve as critical reminders of the consequences of human activity on aquatic life.
How can we help prevent fish species from becoming extinct?
Taking action to prevent extinction is crucial and achievable through several steps.
Firstly, supporting sustainable fishing practices can significantly reduce pressure on fish populations.
Secondly, reducing pollution, including plastic, chemical, and noise pollution, helps to protect aquatic habitats. Being informed and spreading awareness about the importance of aquatic biodiversity is equally important.
Additionally, supporting conservation organizations working towards these goals amplifies their capacity to make a difference.
Each individual action contributes to a larger effort to safeguard our aquatic ecosystems.
Are there any success stories in fish species recovery?
Indeed, there have been notable successes in the recovery of fish species, offering hope and a blueprint for future conservation efforts.
The American alligator, once on the brink of extinction, has seen numbers rebound due to stringent protection and habitat conservation efforts. Similarly, the Whitefish in the Great Lakes region has shown significant recovery following pollution control and sustainable fishing practices.
These examples underscore the effectiveness of concerted conservation efforts and strict regulatory measures. It’s crucial to learn from these successes and apply the lessons broadly.
Remember, recovery is possible with dedication, awareness, and action from all sectors of society.