It belongs in the pupfish genus Orestias, endemic to lakes, rivers and streams in the Andean highlands.

In the hope that an undiscovered population remains, it is listed as Critically Endangered, possibly extinct by the IUCN.

[3] The concave dish shape of its body and jaw further helped distinguish O. cuvieri from other species of Orestias.

The anatomy of O. cuvieri closely resembled a species of trout which is now found in Lake Titicaca, a similarity which has led many researchers to hypothesize that competition between the two groups was the reason for the extinction of O.

The grayish color fades to white on the dorsum and belly; juvenile pigmentation pattern persists with little modification in adult males and females.

As an adaptation to solar radiation, the eggs develop a black protective coat, derived from melanophores, around the embryo sac.

[4] The freshwater fish belonging to the genus Orestias are found in high-altitude isolated lakes in the Altiplano region of South America, ranging from Peru to Chile.

Lake Titicaca, which is on the border of Peru and Bolivia, contains a wide variety of Orestias fish.

Fifty years ago, there was no sign of Orestias cuvieri in Lake Titicaca and the species was presumed to be extinct.

The alien species created competition and preyed upon Orestias cuvieri, eventually leading to its extinction.

[8] Pollutants contaminate the water and traces of metals, such as zinc and copper, have been found in the tissues of fishes.

With regard to law enforcement, major efforts are still needed to prevent pollution and illegal fishing.

Other native species, including the suche (Trichomycterus rivulatus), boga (O. pentlandii), yellow karachi (O. albus) and ispi (O. ispi), are threatened to various degrees, as a result of overfishing, predation by introduced species, and the impacts of intensive production in trout farms.

In addition, four specimens, labeled "Orestias humboldti" were donated by the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle in France.