A review: The Iranian Cichlid fish (Iranocichla hormuzensis)

The Iranian cichlid (Iranocichla hormuzensis) is a unique endemic fish species inhabiting the freshwater and brackish ecosystems of southern Iran, specifically within the Hormozgan province river basins draining into the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. As the sole representative of the Cichlidae family native to the region and one of the few cichlids in Asia, I. hormuzensis exemplifies a remarkable case of evolutionary isolation and ecological specialization. This species demonstrates distinct morphological and physiological adaptations enabling survival in extreme and fluctuating environmental conditions, including wide temperature ranges and variable salinity, arising from the region’s complex geology and climate. Behavioral traits such as territoriality, nest-building, biparental care, and specialized feeding on benthic algae contribute significantly to its reproductive success and ecological role. Despite its biological significance, I. hormuzensis faces critical conservation challenges due to its limited and fragmented distribution, habitat degradation, pollution from industrial developments, and the effects of climate change. Genetic studies reveal structured populations with reduced gene flow, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies incorporating habitat protection, pollution control, and long-term population monitoring. Phylogenetic analyses position this genus as a relict lineage within the Pseudocrenilabrinae, providing valuable insights into cichlid biogeography, speciation, and historical faunal dispersal events connected to the Tethys Sea and regional geological evolution. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, ecology, physiology, behavior, and conservation status of the Iranian cichlid, highlighting its importance as a model for evolutionary and ecological studies in arid and semi-arid freshwater systems. It underscores the urgency of integrated multidisciplinary research and conservation efforts to preserve this emblematic species, thereby safeguarding a critical component of Iran’s freshwater biodiversity and contributing to broader global ichthyological understanding.

کلیدواژه ها:

Endemism ، Phylogeny ، Adaptation ، Conservation ، Biodiversity