Animal group · Fish

Endangered fish

Threatened fish in this selection are dominated by sharks, rays, and sawfish, alongside sturgeon, eels, and reef species. Several are slow-growing and late-maturing, which makes them especially sensitive to fishing pressure.

Each record shows its IUCN category and links to authoritative sources, with NOAA Fisheries used for many marine species.

57 records in this view · last reviewed

Many threatened fish are sharks and rays affected by fishing pressure. NOAA Fisheries is a primary source for the marine species below.

Data limitations

  • These are educational summaries, not the official assessment. Conservation status can change as new science and threats emerge.
  • We show the global IUCN Red List category. National and local status can differ from the global category.
  • Each record shows a last-verified date and a data-confidence flag so you can see how current and how checked it is.
  • Always verify the current status on the official IUCN Red List and the relevant national wildlife authority. FaunaHub does not replace conservation authorities.

Dataset last reviewed: Full data methodology →

Fish records

Showing 57 of 57 records

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many sharks threatened?
Sharks grow slowly, mature late, and produce few young, so populations recover slowly from overfishing and bycatch. Several hammerheads and the oceanic whitetip are assessed as Critically Endangered.
Is the great white shark endangered?
The great white shark is globally assessed as Vulnerable. It is protected in many countries, but global population trends remain a concern. Always check the current IUCN assessment for the latest category.
Is this every endangered fish?
No. This is a curated educational selection. The complete, current list is maintained on the official IUCN Red List.

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