Finescale Splitfin Project – Yearly Report 2026

The Finescale Splitfin Project remained active in 2025 with a recorded population of 655 individuals of Allondichtys polylepis, following 629 individuals in 2024 and 759 individuals in 2023. This pattern indicates a recovery after the decline observed between 2023 and 2024. The project currently includes 32 participating members across several European countries, reflecting continued international engagement in the ex situ conservation effort. The current membership distribution shows broad participation from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, and Slovenia. Germany represents the largest share of the network, while Great Britain and Hungary also contribute strongly.

Project coordination changed during the year. Elöd Szanati stepped down as project coordinator and the role has been handed over to Jesper Flygare. As part of the ongoing administrative update, members who have not submitted data will be contacted to confirm whether they wish to remain involved in the programme.

A further strategic point for discussion is the possible integration of the Allodontichthys polylepis project with the EEP framework for Goodeidae within EAZA, a membership association for the European zoo and aquarium community that connects more than 400 member organisations in many countries. It is headquartered in Amsterdam and is recognised among the largest regional zoo and aquarium organisations in the world. The wider goodeid conservation landscape in Europe already includes coordinated breeding and conservation efforts, and Allodontichthys polylepis is among the species highlighted in current goodeid conservation programmes. Exploring stronger links between the project and the EAZA Goodeidae framework could improve the efforts to safe the species.