Euphorbia piscidermis is a small succulent endemic to eastern Ethiopia occurring at elevations of c. 1,000–1,050 m asl. It is associated with very open Acacia-Commiphora bushland on low limestone ridges. The species is known from the type collection west of Degeh Bur in the Somali Regional State (Ogaden) and another observation some 50 km from the type collection. The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 4–50 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 4–8 km², falling within the respective threshold values for the Critically Endangered category under criteria B1 and B2. Within the protologue, Gilbert (1973) states observing two patches of the species each c. 30 m across and c. 100 m apart. Beyond this, no other numerical population data are available and the current population trend is unknown. The species is not severely fragmented and is not known to be subject to extreme fluctuations. The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES and there is an active trade in artificially propagated individuals. Through reviewing historic and current satellite data, expansion of agriculture has been identified near the species' location, as has the presence of small settlements and grazing pens. However, at present these are not considered a threat. Major potential threats to this species include the invasive species Prosopis juliflora and collection of wild specimens from the wild. While not currently a threat, these represent plausible future threats that could drive the species into a highly threatened category within a short time span. As such, the species is assessed as Vulnerable D2; if these threats were found to be be ongoing and contributing to continuing decline, the species could be reassessed as Critically Endangered under criterion B.

Euborbia piscidermis is endemic to eastern Ethiopia occurring in the Harerge floristic region at elevations of c. 1,000–1,050 m asl (Gilbert 1995). It is known from three herbarium specimens all collected from the same population west of Degeh Bur in the Somali Regional State (Ogaden). The species is likely more widespread than current collections indicate. The author of the species stated observing individuals some 50 km from the type collection, however, the locality data relating to this observation has been lost. Additionally, the species has an unrecorded vernacular Somali name, again indicating that it is more widespread throughout the region (M. Gilbert pers. comm. 2022).

Within the protologue, Gilbert (1973) states observing two patches some 30 m across and c. 100 m apart. Beyond this, no numerical population data are available and the current population trend is unknown. The species is not severely fragmented and is not subject to extreme fluctuations.

Euphorbia piscidermis is a small subglobose-cylindrical succulent growing to 11 cm by 7.5 cm. It is associated with very open Acacia-Commiphora bushland with a main cover of small shrublets belonging to Acanthaceae and Lamiaceae on low limestone ridges, growing in exposed sites on fine brown soil with a high gravel content (Gilbert 1973, Gilbert 1995).

Acacia-Commiphora bushland throughout the Ogaden is threatened by overgrazing, fuel wood harvesting, agricultural expansion and invasive species (Worku et al. 2018, Shiferaw et al. 2018, Asefa et al. 2020, Abera et al. 2022). Through reviewing historic and current satellite imagery, agricultural expansion has been identified close to the species single' known location; however, this is predominantly within low-lying areas which are presumably unsuitable for this species with little spread towards the species' collection site. Small settlements and grazing pens are visible within close proximity of the collection location. While trampling is a potential threat, moderate levels of grazing and fuel wood harvesting may benefit the species by ensuring a more open habitat type (M. Gilbert pers. comm. 2022). The vegetation at the location appears generally unaltered indicating low levels of grazing and fuel wood harvesting. Two major potential threats include are invasive species and collection of individuals from the wild. The invasive species Prosopis juliflora is an emerging threat throughout the Ogaden (Shiferaw et al. 2018). This species is able to outcompete native vegetation and creates dense closed canopy thickets. It is often found in areas of high human disturbance. Disturbance at this location is minimal and it is not currently considered a threat. However, if the species were to invade the location, it would pose a significant plausible future threat. Another major potential threat to this species is collection of individuals from the wild. Due to unrest within the Ogaden for many years, the area has remained inaccessible. While the security situation is still fluid, it is slowly improving with a number of collection trips having been undertaken by professional local botanists in recent years (Sebsebe Demissew pers. comm. 2022). This species is considered to be highly desirable to collectors (M. Gilbert pers. comm. 2022) and there is active trade in artificially propagated individuals (CITES 2022). The small size of this species means that large numbers of individuals or even entire subpopulations could be collected in a single effort (M. Gilbert pers. comm. 2022). If the region becomes more accessible to international collectors this would pose a viable threat to the species and could drive it into a highly threatened category in a very short time span.

Euphorbia piscidermis is listed in Appendix II of CITES (UNEP WCMC and CITES Secretariat 2022). There is active trade of artificially propagated individuals for the horticultural market with the main exporters in the last five years being based in China, Thailand, the Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic for trade within Japan, The United States, The Republic of Korea and Mexico (CITES 2022). Currently there are no trade quotas or suspensions in place for this species. Harvest trends of wild individuals are unknown, but it is suspected that cultivated plants provide the basis for trade. The species is not known to be utilised by the local community.

The species is listed in Appendix II of CITES, however, currently no quotas or suspensions are in place (UNEP WCMC and CITES Secretariat 2022). The species does not occur in any protected areas (UNEP WCMC and IUCN 2022) and no specific management plans are in place. The species is currently held in 12 ex situ plant collections (BGCI 2022).