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Bringing the Golden Skiffia Home to Mexico’s Teuchitlán River

Project Details:

Mexico’s golden skiffia (Skiffia francesae) disappeared from the wild a generation ago, its spring-fed pools choked by pollution and invasive fish. Today the species clings to existence in a captive hatchery program, where scientists have preserved precious individuals that hold the promise of species survival. Now, the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, with support from the Colossal Foundation’s Species Reintroduction Fund, is working to bring this Extinct-in-the-Wild species back, alongside two other Extinct-in-the-Wild fish, the banded allotoca (Allotoca goslinei) and the Ameca shiner (Notropis amecae). By coupling species reintroduction with large-scale habitat renewal and local stewardship, this project aims to recreate a self-sustaining, native-dominated fish community, and a model for freshwater recoveries across Mexico.

In Partnership With

The Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH) is a leading public university in Mexico with a strong commitment to scientific research, education, and social development. Established over 400 years ago, UMSNH combines tradition with innovation across multiple fields, including environmental science and conservation biology. The university actively supports regional and national conservation projects by conducting rigorous scientific studies and fostering collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Through science and collaboration, UMSNH helps preserve Mexico’s natural heritage for future generations.

Why the Golden Skiffia Matters

Freshwater fishes are Mexico’s fastest-declining vertebrates, yet their fates rarely make headlines. The golden skiffia, the banded allotoca, and Ameca shiner are unique to the Ameca River Basin, but pollution, invasive species, and habitat loss have driven them to extinction in the wild. As key members in their aquatic ecosystems, their loss disrupts the balance and overall diversity of rivers and springs. 

Progress So Far

For over a decade, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo has been working to lay a strong foundation for freshwater fish conservation. The team has maintained genetically diverse populations of golden skiffia in managed breeding programs, conducted promising pilot reintroductions, and mapped critical habitats in the Teuchitlán River. Community workshops have helped earn local support, while partnerships with groups like the IUCN SSC have advanced research and conservation strategies for freshwater fish species.

How the Species Reintroduction Fund is Helping

With Colossal Foundation’s support, the project will achieve key milestones in 2025:

  • River Restoration – Restoring skiffia habitat on the Teuchitlán River with native vegetation and improved water quality.

  • Hatchery Expansion – Growing captive populations of Golden skiffia, Allotoca goslinei and Notropis amecae by at least 2,000 individuals each for eventual release.

  • Community Outreach – Training local stakeholders and launching interpretive trails to engage the community.