Ptychochromis insolitus

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Ptychochromis insolitus
Ptychochromis insolitus - Wilhelma 01.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Ptychochromis
Species:
P. insolitus
Binomial name
Ptychochromis insolitus
Stiassny & Sparks, 2006

Ptychochromis insolitus, also known as the Mangarahara cichlid or joba mena, is a species of cichlid endemic to certain river systems in northern Madagascar. [2] This critically endangered fish is threatened by habitat loss and competition from introduced species; after the last-known female was killed during a breeding attempt, its conservation received significant international attention as London Zoo launched a media campaign to identify any remaining individuals. [3] A remnant population was discovered by aquaculture entrepreneur Guy Tam Hyock in 2013, and breeding programs in Madagascar and at Toronto Zoo have resulted in thousands of successful hatchlings. [4]

Contents

Description

The Mangarahara cichlid was first described as a new species in 2006 from the Amboaboa and Mangarahara Rivers near Mandritsara in northern Madagascar. [2] Prior to its official description, it was sometimes known as Ptychochromis sp. nov. "Joba mena" or Ptychochromis sp. nov. "Mangarahara". [2] "Joba mena" translates to "red girl," identifying the long, ragged, red-bordered fins of the male fish. This species can reach a standard length of 10 inches or 25.8cm. [5] It was given the species name insolitus (the Latin word for 'queer' or 'unusual') in part because of its peculiar appearance, featuring long tooth- or comb-like structures called cteni on many of its scales. [2] This name was also chosen because after identifying a wild-caught holotype specimen, researchers investigated two captive-raised individuals that strangely lacked several of the defining characteristics for which the species was described. [2] Researchers suggested this could, among other possibilities, indicate an unrecorded hybridization event or the existence of an additional, similar species or subspecies. [2]

Status

It was originally listed as Critically Endangered in 2006 when they were first described, but on further research they concluded that they were in fact Extinct in the Wild. It is listed as Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN, but until its rediscovery in 2013, it was feared that the last remaining wild population had disappeared as a result of ongoing habitat loss and competition from introduced species. [3] Two cichlids from another genus, Paretroplus nourissati and P. gymnopreopercularis , along with a round herring, Sauvagella robusta , are restricted to the same region as Ptychochromis insolitus, and may be facing similar risks. [2] [6]

Although captive breeding programs have met with some success, and although it continues to occur in the wild, the habitat of this species remains under significant threat, and thus, opportunities for reintroduction remain unclear. [7]

Conservation effort

In the 1990s, a French ichthyologist collected several specimens of the fish from its wild habitat. [8] An anonymous hobbyist couple bred those specimens, and in 2002, the couple donated a dozen juvenile Mangarahara cichlids to London Zoo. [8] At the time, little was known about the condition of the species' native habitat, and Brian Zimmerman, Chief Curator of the Zoological Society of London, believed that other institutions housed the species as well. [7] Territoriality and rivalry among the maturing siblings contributed to several cichlid deaths, and by 2005, only two male individuals remained in the zoo's collection. [7]

In 2006, London Zoo contacts in Madagascar reported that the Mangarahara River had dried up as a result of dam construction and water diversion for rice farming in the area. [7] The fish was declared extinct in the wild. [7] As the only institution with a female specimen of the cichlid in its care, Aquarium Berlin attempted to breed its male cichlid with its female cichlid in 2012. Approximately ten days after the two individuals were moved to a spawning tank, Aquarium Berlin announced that the male cichlid had killed its would-be mate. [7] [9]

In 2013, only three specimens were known to exist in captivity - two males in London Zoo and one male in Aquarium Berlin. [8] Those in London Zoo were at least eleven years old, and little was known about the life expectancy of the species. [8] London Zoo published an appeal in May 2013, asking for any information about potentially suitable female Mangarahara cichlids in private collections. [10] After leads from collectors in Venezuela, China, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere did not surface any living cichlids, Zimmerman was contacted by hotelier, tilapia farmer, and "Fish Whisperer" Guy Tam Hyock. [7] [11] Guy Tam Hyock offered to show representatives from London Zoo to a small pond near Marotandrano where he believed a population of the fishes remained. [8]

In late 2013, Toronto Zoo and London Zoo confirmed that a remnant population existed in the wild at the location Guy Tam Hyock specified. [12] The last 18 wild individuals, including some females, were caught and moved to Guy Tam Hyock's conservation aquaculture facility in Andapa, Madagascar. [3] Successful captive breeding was observed at said facility shortly thereafter, and in September 2014, several individuals were brought to Toronto Zoo. [13] On Thursday, September 15, 2016, Toronto Zoo announced the cichlid had successfully bred at their facility, issuing at least 20 hatchlings. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cichlid</span> Family of fishes

Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes. Traditionally Cichlids were classed in a suborder, the Labroidei, along with the wrasses (Labridae), in the order Perciformes, but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. On the basis of fossil evidence, it first appeared in Tanzania during the Eocene epoch, about 46–45 million years ago; however, molecular clock estimates have placed the family's origin as far back as 67 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period. The closest living relative of cichlids is probably the convict blenny, and both families are classified in the 5th edition of Fishes of the World as the two families in the Cichliformes, part of the subseries Ovalentaria. This family is large, diverse, and widely dispersed. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 2,000 and 3,000.

London Zoo, previously known as ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Gardens and sometimes called Regent's Park Zoo, is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It was opened in London on 27 April 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. In 1831 or 1832, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were transferred to the zoo's collection. It was opened to the public in 1847. As of December 2022, it houses a collection of 14,926 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jewel cichlid</span> Genus of fish

Hemichromis is a genus of fishes from the cichlid family, known in the aquarium trade as jewel cichlids. Jewel cichlids are native to Africa. Within West Africa, Hemichromis species are found in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes with a variety of water qualities including brackish water lagoons. As traditionally defined, the genus includes two distinctly different groups: The five-spotted cichlid group and the true jewel cichlid group (Rubricatochromis), which sometimes are recognized as distinct genera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical fish</span> Those fish found in aquatic tropical environments

Tropical fish are generally those fish found in aquatic tropical environments around the world. Fishkeepers often keep tropical fish in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. The term "tropical fish" is not a taxonomic group, but rather is a general term for fish found in such environments, particularly those kept in aquariums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convict cichlid</span> Species of fish

The convict cichlid is a fish species from the family Cichlidae, native to Central America, also known as the zebra cichlid. Convict cichlids are popular aquarium fish and have also been the subject of numerous studies on fish behaviour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ram cichlid</span> Species of fish

The ram cichlid is a species of freshwater fish endemic to the Orinoco River basin, in the savannahs of Venezuela and Colombia in South America. The species has been examined in studies on fish behaviour and is a popular aquarium fish, traded under a variety of common names, including ram, blue ram, German blue ram, Asian ram, butterfly cichlid, Ramirez's dwarf cichlid, dwarf butterfly cichlid and Ramirezi. The species is a member of the family Cichlidae and subfamily Geophaginae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Association of Zoos and Aquariums</span> Umbrella organization

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the "umbrella" organization for the world zoo and aquarium community. Its mission is to provide leadership and support for zoos, aquariums, and partner organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability.

Haplochromis piceatus is a species of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa. Although listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, surveys since 2005 have failed to find it in its home lake and it is possibly extinct in the wild. Captive "safety populations" are maintained at several public aquariums.

<i>Paretroplus menarambo</i> Species of fish

Paretroplus menarambo is a species of cichlid fish.

Paretroplus nourissati, the lamena, is a species of cichlid from the vicinity of the confluence of the Amboaboa and Mangarahara Rivers near Mandritsara in northern Madagascar. This relatively elongate Paretroplus reaches about 16 centimetres (6.3 in) in length, and is closely related to P. lamenabe and P.tsimoly. P. nourissati is threatened by habitat loss and invasive species.

Paretroplus gymnopreopercularis is a species of cichlid from the vicinity of the confluence of the Amboaboa and Mangarahara Rivers near Mandritsara in northern Madagascar. Until its official scientific description in 2008, it was temporarily known as the Paretroplus nov. sp. "sofia". It is endangered because of habitat degradation, overfishing and invasive species. Following the construction of a dam on the Mangarahara River, surveys have failed to relocate P. gymnopreopercularis in this river.

<i>Ptychochromis grandidieri</i> Species of fish

Ptychochromis grandidieri is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae endemic to river basins along a large part of the eastern coast of Madagascar, although it has been recorded as far as 100 km (62 mi) inland. Uniquely in the genus Ptychochromis, this species also occurs in brackish water. It reaches 35cm in standard length. It shares a large part of its range with a cichlid from another genus, Paretroplus polyactis. The specific name honours Alfred Grandidier (1836-1921), the French naturalist and explorer who, with Henri Joseph Léon Humblot (1852-1914), collected the type.

<i>Ptychochromis</i> Genus of fishes

Ptychochromis is a genus of cichlids endemic to rivers and lakes in Madagascar. One species can also be seen in brackish water. Most species in this genus are threatened, and P. onilahy is probably extinct. Most reach a length of 15 to 20 cm, but P. insolitus reaches 25 cm (10 in), while P. grandidieri and P. oligacanthus reach 35 cm (14 in) and 20 cm (8 in) respectively. The largest species was P. onilahy which may have reached as much as 45 cm (18 in) if reports of fishermen are to be believed.

Ptychochromis loisellei is a species of cichlid from the Mahanara River basin north of Sambava in northeastern Madagascar. It remains common within its small range, but it is threatened by habitat loss and introduced species. It reaches about 11.9 centimetres (4.7 in). The similar named Paretroplus loisellei is also restricted to the Mahanara River basin. The specific name honours Paul V. Loiselle, Emeritus Curator of Freshwater Fishes at the New York Aquarium and a researcher in, and campaigner for the conservation of, the freshwater fish of Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trondo mainty</span> Species of fish

The trondo mainty is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to the Onilahy River Basin in southwestern Madagascar. Its remaining range covers less than 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) and it is highly threatened by habitat loss, fishing, and competition with/predation by introduced species. Another cichlid from the same basin, Ptychochromis onilahy, is probably already extinct. The trondo mainty reaches a standard length (SL) of 24 cm (9.4 in).

<i>Ptychochromoides</i> Genus of fish in Madagascar

Ptychochromoides is a genus of cichlids endemic to Madagascar. Of the three described species, two are critically endangered and one was considered extinct until rediscovered in late 2010.

Sauvagella robusta is a small species of fish in the family Clupeidae. It is endemic to the Amboaboa and Mangarahara River Basins in northern Madagascar. This relatively slender fish reaches a length of 6.8 cm (2.7 in), and is overall pale yellowish with silvery on the lower parts. Its current conservation status is unclear, but the cichlid Ptychochromis insolitus, which is highly threatened from habitat loss, is native to the same region. Sauvagella robusta is known to survive at least in Lake Tseny.

Ptychochromis makira is a species of cichlid only known from the Antainambalana River in the northernmost part of the Toamasina Province in Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss and overfishing, and has suffered a severe decline in recent years. It reaches a length of 14.6 centimetres (5.7 in) SL.

Paretroplus loisellei is a vulnerable species of cichlid fish from the Mahanara River basin north of Sambava in northeastern Madagascar. Until its scientific description in 2011, this population was usually referred to as Paretroplus sp. nov. "Ventitry" or included in P. damii, which it resembles. It reaches about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length, and is threatened by habitat loss and introduced species. The similar named Ptychochromis loisellei is also restricted to the Mahanara River basin. The specific name honours Paul V. Loiselle, Emeritus Curator of Freshwater Fishes at the New York Aquarium and a researcher in, and campaigner for the conservation of, the freshwater fish of Madagascar.

Skiffia francesae, the golden skiffia or tiro dorado, is a species of splitfin endemic to the Rio Teuchitlán, a tributary of Río Ameca in western Mexico. It is extinct in the wild, but has been maintained in aquaria and the aquarium hobbyist trade.

References

  1. ↑ Ravelomanana, T.; Sparks, J.S. & Loiselle, P.V. (2016). "Ptychochromis insolitus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T44510A58308872. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T44510A58308872.en .
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stiassny, M., and Sparks, J. S. (2006). Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of the Endemic Malagasy Genus Ptychochromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae), with the Description of Five New Species and a Diagnosis for Katria, New Genus. American Museum Novitates 3535.
  3. 1 2 3 "Conservation Hail Mary works: Mate for near-extinct fish found!". Mongabay.com. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  4. ↑ "Mangarahara cichlid". Lost & Found - Positive Conservation Storytelling. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
  5. ↑ Thomas Williams personal observation
  6. ↑ Stiassny, M.L.J. (2002). Revision of Sauvagella Bertin (Clupeidae: Pellonulinae: Ehiravini) with a description of a new species from the freshwaters of Madagascar and diagnosis of Ehiravini. Copeia 2002(1): 67-76.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Where are all the Mangarahara cichlid hiding? | www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk". www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Stokstad, Erik (2013-12-19). "New Hope for an Endangered Fish in Madagascar". Science | AAAS. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  9. ↑ Kroll-Zaidi, Rafil (July 2013). "Findings". Harper's Magazine. ISSN   0017-789X . Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  10. ↑ "Zoo seeks mate for last surviving 'gorgeously ugly' fish". BBC News. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  11. ↑ "Guy Tam Hyock - "The Fish Whisperer" | WWF". wwf.panda.org. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  12. ↑ Platt, John R. "Fish Found: The Greatest Conservation Success Story of 2013?". Scientific American Blog Network. Retrieved 2019-11-19.
  13. 1 2 "Toronto Zoo | Press Releases". www.torontozoo.com. Retrieved 2019-11-18.

    9. Podcast https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/content/where-are-all-mangarahara-cichlid-hiding

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