Rationale
(Changed due to Same category and criteria)
This species complex is widespread (extent of occurrence >70,000 km2). The species occupies a wide range of aquatic habitats that make up over 100 unique locations across its range. While some of these locations are threatened by invasive fish, water abstraction and declining water quality from urban and agricultural impacts, it is likely that the majority of locations do not face an imminent threat of extirpation. If the current taxonomic study confirms that there are separate species, the assessment as Least Concern may need revision in some cases.
Distribution
The species complex has a wide distribution from Highveld Limpopo to upland Kwa-Zulu Natal, Transkei, middle and upper Orange River, South Africa. Also, large coastal rivers in Eastern and Western Cape such as Olifants, Gourits, Gamtoos, Sundays and Great Fish rivers (Skelton 2001).
The species is threatened by water abstraction, pollution and general habitat degradation through urbanization and agriculture. It has been shown to be vulnerable to predation by Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus) (van der Walt et al. 2015).
Conservation
The species has no formal protection. Conservation actions are needed by maintenance of flows in key streams. Land and aquatic habitat conservation and preventing stockings of alien fishes. The prevention of E. anoplus translocations is important to avoid genetic cross-contamination with other lineages within the “chubbyhead” species complex.
[@article{18475,
author = {Skelton, P.H.},
title = {A Complete Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa},
year = {2001}
}
,@electronic{2426,
address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
author = {IUCN},
title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-3},
year = {2017}
}
,]
