Ptychochromis insolitus
CR

Ptychochromis insolitus

Declining

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

Overview

Ptychochromis insolitus, also known as the Mangarahara cichlid or joba mena, is a species of cichlid endemic to certain river systems in northern Madagascar. 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. 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.

Ptychochromis insolitus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Madagascar's freshwater systems, where deforestation and agricultural runoff have dramatically altered water quality and flow patterns. The species is particularly vulnerable to competition and hybridization with introduced tilapia species, which have established populations throughout its native range. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods in the remaining suitable habitats have further reduced population numbers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Malagasy cichlid inhabits freshwater rivers and streams in the central highlands of Madagascar, typically preferring areas with rocky substrates and moderate water flow. The species is adapted to the clear, well-oxygenated waters of highland river systems with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Madagascar

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining
CR

Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat

Hypogeomys antimena

Declining
Nasolo's Shrew TenrecVU

Nasolo's Shrew Tenrec

Microgale nasoloi

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ptychochromis insolitus classified as Critically Endangered?
Ptychochromis insolitus 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. Ptychochromis insolitus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Madagascar's freshwater systems, where deforestation and agricultural runoff have dramatically altered water quality and flow patterns. The species is particularly vulnerable to competition and hybridization with introduced tilapia species, which have established populations throughout its native range. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods in the remaining suitable habitats have further reduced population numbers.
Where does Ptychochromis insolitus live?
Ptychochromis insolitus 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 Ptychochromis insolitus?
The main threats to Ptychochromis insolitus are 5.3, 7.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.