The species has a wide distribution and it is abundant where it is found. There are currently no records in Mozambique, however this is due to lack of sampling and it is expected to occur there. It is not threatened with extinction and it is assessed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Occurs from the Mkuze River (St Lucia system), Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa north to the northern Limpopo System in Zimbabwe (south of Bulawayo) and in adjacent systems in neighbouring Botswana and Mozambique. Northern Limpopo records are confirmed and held in the Bulawayo Museum and are not represented on the current map. There are records of Engraulicypris from Zimbabwe from the Save River system and the eastern highlands. Skelton (2001) suggests these are introductions but this needs taxonomic investigation. If these northern Save River populations are indigenous then their taxonomic status needs examination.
South African east coast river systems are heavily impacted by industrial, mining and municipal pollution and excessive water abstraction. Despite this, the species seem to be coping and remains relatively abundant, however, this is a concern. Numerous alien predatory species occur in suitable freshwater sardine habitats. So far no major impacts have been noticed but they certainly pose a threat.
Conservation
Although the species occurs in numerous protected areas, the largest being Kruger National Park, South Africa, this species receives no effective conservation actions.
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