Endangered Species Guide : Fish : Animal Planet

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Endangered Fish

It's hard to say how fish are faring as a whole, as only 10 percent of the nearly 30,000 known fish species have been evaluated for inclusion in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Tellingly, nearly half those surveyed are now considered threatened or endangered.

Overfishing is likely the leading cause of fish declines, followed closely by habitat loss and pollution. Some of the most unique fish species in the world are facing imminent extinction, including the ancient coelacanth and the bizarre smalltooth sawfish. Learn about them here.

If you do eat fish, find out which popular seafood choices have less of an impact on the system, and which ones to avoid by using our Consumer Guide to Overfishing.

[About the IUCN and USFWS.]

COELACANTH
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threat: Accidental capture by fishing operations

LOST RIVER SUCKER
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Overfishing, damming of rivers and draining of wetlands

MEKONG GIANT CATFISH
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Major Threats: Dams, overfishing and pollution

NASSAU GROUPER
IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threat: Fishing and habitat loss

RUSSIAN STURGEON
IUCN Status: Endangered
Major Threat: Overfishing, pollution and habitat loss

MORE FISH »

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Pictures: Getty Images | AP Photo (2) | iStockphotos | Getty Images |

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