Iranian Cichlid

📖 Overview

Restricted to salty streams , rarely in freshwaters , which are constantly warm, unshaded, usually with muddy bottoms, with little vegetation other than encrusting algae, and are subject to massive flooding during winter rains . Stomach contents consist of various algae (including diatoms) and detritus, indicating that it feeds on bottom deposits and by scraping aufwuchs . This maternal mouthbrooder can brood up to 38 large eggs; females carry eggs in March . Because of the restricted range of this fish and the continual warfare and oil pollution in the area, this fish may be well on its way to extinction .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal soft rays: 6 - 9; Vertebrae: 28 - 30. Diagnosis: dental field on lower pharyngeal bone nearly circular; teeth of lower pharyngeal bone of uniform size, not enlarged medially; cheek, operculum, belly, isthmus and area between pectortal and pelvic fin bases naked or poorly scaled; anal and dorsal fins rounded posteriorly; pectoral fins short, not reaching vent; scales cycloid, with granular posterior circuli bearing rounded or irregular protuberances; inferior apophysis for support of swimbladder centred around 4th vertebra; mesethmoid not meeting vomer; median length of lower pharyngeal bone 31.8-40.9% length of head; pharyngeal blade/median length toothed area 0.6-1.0 .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Iranian Cichlid is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Iranian Cichlid is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Female mouth brooder with up to 38 eggs .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic. Tropical; 32°N - 27°N

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 3 records indexed .

👥 Community & Contribute