The Mangarahara cichlid, an endemic species from north-east Madagascar, was long thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in the Amboaboa River near the Mangarahara River caused a sensation. Today, it is one of the rarest fish in the world and depends on reserve populations in zoos to survive. Although this species had been known to people in Madagascar for a long time, it was only scientifically described in 2006. In Malagasy, the Mangarahara cichlid is called ‘Joba Mena’, which refers to the red fin edges of the males.
| Closest relatives |
Perch, cichlids (1700 species) |
| Habitat |
flowing waters with clear water, sandy or rocky bottoms |
| Behaviour |
in small flocks, mixed sexes |
| Diet |
insects, molluscs, crustaceans, algae |
| Body length |
up to approx. 15 cm |
| Clutch |
up to 250 eggs are preferably spawned on stones (open brooders). The female takes care of the brood and guards the eggs, while the male defends the territory. |
| Duration from egg laying to hatching |
a few days |
| Life expectancy |
unknown |
| Use |
edible fish |
| Current stock |
unknown, but declining |
| At Zurich Zoo since |
2024 |
Sponsors
|
Stubengesellen der Zunft zur Schiffleuten |
|
K. Lechner, Ebertswil |
