Iranocichla Species Found in Lake Tanganyika Waters

Iranocichla is a genus of cichlid fish that is native to Lake Tanganyika, a large freshwater lake located in East Africa. The lake is home to over 2,000 species of fish, including the Iranocichla.

One of the unique characteristics of the Iranocichla species is their striking coloration, which varies depending on the specific species. The colors range from vibrant blues and yellows to deep oranges and purples.

Iranocichla species are found in the rocky areas of Lake Tanganyika, where they feed on small invertebrates and algae.

Iranocichla persa is a new cichlid species from southern Iran.

This species was described in a paper published on November 24th, 2016, in the journal ZooKeys by authors Hamid Reza Esmaeili, Golnaz Sayyadzadeh, and Ole Seehausen.

The species is a rather curious development, as many old-time aquarists believed there were only three cichlid species in Asia, all called Chromides.

Iranocichla persa joins its sister species Iranocichla hormuzensis as one of only two cichlid species native to Iran.

The only way to differentiate between the two Iranocichla species is through male spawning coloration.

Geographic origin would likely be the only way to know which species you were dealing with otherwise.

Iranocichla persa has a maximum recorded size of 4 inches standard length.

It's a small statured fish, but its attractive appearance makes it worthy of attention from aquarists.

These fish are maternal mouthbrooders, which means they carry their eggs in their mouths until they hatch.

Iranocichla persa has not been introduced to the aquarium hobby yet, but some dedicated aquarists have kept I. hormuzensis in the past.

The habitat requirements of Iranocichla persa are still unknown, as no habitat information is provided in the species description.

However, some aquarists have reported success in keeping I. hormuzensis in hard freshwater.

If you're fascinated by the unique characteristics of Iranocichla, you might also want to explore the world of other ancient fish species.

The Cichlidae family, to which Iranocichla belongs, is one of the largest and most diverse groups of fish in the world, with over 1,600 species found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Some of these species, like the Etroplus canarensis, have adapted to live in freshwater environments, similar to Iranocichla. Etroplus canarensis is found in the western part of the Indian Ocean and is known for its vibrant colors and impressive size.

The fossil record of ancient fish species can provide valuable insights into their evolution and extinction. In the case of Iranocichla, its fossil record suggests that it lived during the Eocene epoch, a time of significant geological and climatic change.

The discovery of new species, like the Iranocichla, is often a result of advances in technology and scientific research methods. This has led to a greater understanding of the diversity of life on our planet and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species.

Worth a look: Etroplus