CARES Priority List

Due to the detailed issues involved in maintaining this list, such as constant additions (and on occasion the most hoped for removal) of species and revisions in nomenclature and classification of risk, it is a perpetual work in progress. Together, let’s bring a positive future for these fish and reverse the growth of this list!

Adrianichthyidae — Ricefish
Anabantidae — Climbing gouramies
Aphaniidae — Eurasian Killifish
Aplocheilidae — Killifish
Bedotiidae — Madagascan rainbowfish
Characidae — Tetras
Cichlidae – Cichlids
Cobitidae – True loaches
Cyprinidae — Minnows & Carps
Cyprinodontidae — Pupfish
Gobiidae — Gobies
Goodeidae — Splitfins
Loricariidae — Armoured catfish
Melanotaeniidae — Rainbowfish
Mochokidae — Squeakers
Nothobranchiidae — Toothcarps
Poeciliidae — Livebearers
Pseudomugilidae — Blue eyes
Rivulidae — Rivulus
Valenciidae — Valencias

CARES Coordinators
CARES Risk Classifications
CARES Authorities

A CARES note:

Before you embark on the CARES Preservation Program, as responsible aquarists it is essential that you familiarize yourself with U.S. federal and state wildlife laws or those of your country of residence.

The CARES Preservation Program strives to recognize only those fish that are within the bounds of domestic laws.