Surfperches Cichlids and Relatives: Labroidei

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists forty-two species of cichlids, surfperches, damselfishes, wrasses, parrotfishes, and rock whitings as Extinct, five as Extinct in the Wild, thirty-seven as Critically Endangered, twelve as Endangered, forty-three as Vulnerable, and one as Conservation Dependent. Extinct means no longer in existence. Extinct in the Wild means no longer alive except in captivity or through the aid of humans. Critically Endangered means facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered means facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Vulnerable means facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Conservation Dependent means if the conservation program were to end, the animal would be placed in one of the threatened categories.