Iranocichla hormuzensis

Iranocichla hormuzensis is a species of fish family of cichlids ( Cichlidae ). It is the only cichlid Iran and comes in freshwater and brackish water in the center of Hormozgan province north of the Strait of Hormuz before.

Features

Iranocichla hormuzensis has a typical cichlid shape. Males are about 10 cm, females remain slightly smaller with a length of 8 cm. Males are dark with white, slightly bluish spots, females are light gray in color with some slightly visible vertical stripes on the flanks. The dorsal fin of the animals is supported 14-16 spines and 9-11 soft rays. The number of soft rays in the anal fin is 6 to 9, the swirl number 28 - 30 dorsal and anal fins are rounded. The pectoral fins are short and do not extend to the pelvic fins. The scales are cycloid, back with some irregular bumps. Cheek, gill cover, throat, belly and the area between the pectoral fins and pelvic fins base are little scaly or unbeschuppt. The dentate area of the lower Pharyngealia is approximately round, the teeth of equal size. The mean length of the lower Pharyngealia is 31.8 to 40.9 % of head length. An apophysis to support the swim bladder is located around the fourth vertebra. The Mesethmoid, a skull bone and the vomer ( vomer ) do not touch.

Way of life

Iranocichla hormuzensis comes mainly in brackish, salty waters, scarce in freshwater before that have mud floors, are very warm and unshaded. The only vegetation of the waters are krustierend growing algae. During the winter rainy season, a massive influx of fresh water takes place. Stomach examinations show the Iranocichla hormuzensis mainly eats algae, including diatoms. Like all cichlids of the tribe Oreochromini is Iranocichla hormuzensis a mouth brooders. The females, which take over the mouth brood care, can lay up to 38 eggs. Because of the small distribution area and the pollution of the living waters with oil spills, the species is possibly threatened with extinction. The IUCN does not list the type.

Swell

• Cichlids
• Cichlidae