Potamolithus elenae

Abstract

Potamolithus elenae is only known from the headwaters of Arroyo Valcheta, and is restricted to the habitats that have warmer waters, immediately downstream of the thermal springs. The major threats come from predation from introduced and invasive fish species, that occur throughout the habitats. Hence this species is assessed as Critically Endangered because of the small EOO, which is estimated to be less than 70 km², one threat-defined location and a decline in the quality of its aquatic habitat in the headwaters of the Valcheta Stream, Argentina. There is an ongoing conservation programme to manage the spread of the invasive fish species, which may allow the species to recover, but urgent actions are required to ensure that this species does not become extinct.