Zürich, Switzerland - October 10, 2024

In a dramatic effort to save one of the rarest fish species from the brink of extinction, Zurich Zoo has become a critical sanctuary for the Mangarahara cichlid, a fish nearly wiped out from its natural habitat in Madagascar. This endangered species, which was once considered extinct in the wild, now finds refuge in three dedicated tanks alongside other threatened Malagasy fish species, marking a significant conservation effort by the zoo.

Madagascar, known for its unique biodiversity due to its isolation from mainland Africa for over 150 million years, hosts fish species found nowhere else on Earth. The Mangarahara cichlid, first described in 2006, saw its habitat decimated by human activities, particularly dam construction for rice field irrigation, reducing its wild population to zero until a miraculous rediscovery in 2013.

This rediscovery occurred when hope seemed lost; with only four specimens left in captivity worldwide, the species was on the brink of extinction. A last-ditch search in Madagascar, against all odds, found 18 surviving Mangarahara cichlids in an unlikely stream. These fish were then relocated to a local fish farm for recovery and breeding, initiating a conservation program that has now extended to global zoos, including Zurich.

Today, the reserve population of this species across zoos and aquariums numbers around 370, but the challenge of reintroduction into the wild remains daunting due to the destruction of its natural habitat. Zurich Zoo, with its new research station, plays a pivotal role not just in breeding but in understanding the optimal conditions for these fish, contributing to broader conservation efforts.

The presence of the Mangarahara cichlid at Zurich Zoo symbolizes more than just survival; it represents hope and the active role of zoos in species preservation. By showcasing these rare fish, the zoo educates visitors about biodiversity loss, inspiring action in conservation while actively participating in research and preservation programs.