Damba Mipentina
CR

Damba Mipentina

Paretroplus maculatus

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damba_mipentina

Overview

The damba mipentina is a critically endangered species of cichlid fish from turbid, shallow flood-plain lakes in the Betsiboka and Ikopa River basins in northwestern Madagascar. It has declined drastically because of habitat loss, overfishing and invasive species. It is part of a captive breeding program by public institutions like London Zoo and among fishkeeping hobbyists.

Paretroplus maculatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from deforestation and agricultural expansion around Madagascar's freshwater systems. Introduced species, particularly tilapia and other non-native fish, compete directly for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations, while sedimentation from erosion degrades water quality in remaining habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid inhabits freshwater rivers, lakes, and associated wetlands across Madagascar's central and eastern regions. The species prefers areas with moderate water flow, rocky or sandy substrates, and abundant aquatic vegetation that provides shelter and feeding opportunities.

Wetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Damba Mipentina classified as Critically Endangered?
Damba Mipentina is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Paretroplus maculatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from deforestation and agricultural expansion around Madagascar's freshwater systems. Introduced species, particularly tilapia and other non-native fish, compete directly for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations, while sedimentation from erosion degrades water quality in remaining habitats.
Where does Damba Mipentina live?
Damba Mipentina occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Damba Mipentina?
The main threats to Damba Mipentina are 5.3, 8.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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