BIOPARC Valencia has taken in 60 Stomatepia mariae specimens from the Zaragoza Aquarium. The Valencian conservation center has thus added this extremely rare tropical freshwater fish, which is critically endangered and only survives in Lake Barombi Mbo (Cameroon). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a warning about the species' plight on its Red List and is promoting global action, where scientifically controlled breeding programs are vital.
Collaboration between conservation centers is fundamental for the preservation of endangered species. This is a principle that BIOPARC takes very seriously and under which the following has been carried out: transfer of 60 specimens of African cichlids Stomatepia mariae from the Zaragoza Aquarium, where they have been cared for since birth, to the Valencian park and another group to BIOPARC Gijón AquariumIn this way, these unique tropical freshwater fish will soon be visible. They have acclimatized properly thanks to the dedication of both technical teamswhich represents an essential step in the protection of nature.
Some cichlids endemic to Cameroon.
Although the most well-known or emblematic species tend to capture all the attention, the responsibility assumed by BIOPARCs to halt the loss of biodiversity we are witnessing involves joining forces to literally "to save" living beings that go unnoticed and are extraordinaryA peculiarity of the Stomatepia mariae This is their reproductive strategy, as they are mouthbrooders, where the females provide shelter inside their bodies for the entire process, from the fertilized eggs to the fry once they hatch.
Furthermore, they are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, located in Cameroon's Volcanic Line, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from magmatic activity are their greatest enemy. Deforestation, oil palm plantations, and slash-and-burn agriculture are lethal to this fragile and valuable lake ecosystem. This situation led the Red List to categorize them as critically endangered, making strategic action crucial. One Plan Approach (single plan approach) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that promotes the breeding ex situ under scientific criteria to have a genetic set of this cichlid that guarantees its survival.
Video: This is how the African cichlids were transferred from the Zaragoza Aquarium.
Following this important global action plan, the creation of a new group at BIOPARC Valencia has involved applying all the necessary knowledge and professional care. Upon their arrival, the protocol requires adapting the conditions of the Zaragoza Aquarium to those of the new facilities, and gradually... equalize the pH, hardness, and temperature parameters of the waterThe excellent condition of the cichlids before and after transport has been crucial for their rapid recovery, and specialists from both parks have expressed their satisfaction at observing that they were developing natural behaviors such as pecking at the water, a sign that they intend to eat.
This November, discover the Kitum cave with the BIOdays Promotion.
Currently, they are in the quarantine area, where staff dedicated to their care and well-being are monitoring them to ensure the fry's proper development. Once they have grown and it is deemed appropriate, they will be released into the tank. Nile Crocodile Aquarium (Crocodylus niloticus) in an estuary that they will share with more than 10 species of fish from Lake Malawi (East Africa) such as Maylandia zebra, Dimidochromis comprescisseps, Melanochromis auratus o Cheilochromis euchilu.
The possibility of contemplating the recreation of these beautiful wild habitats in the Kitum cave of BIOPARC Valencia, with the richness of life of the great lakes and the only underwater view in our country of hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) is crucial for the dissemination, education and awareness of society towards attitudes of respect for the environment and love for nature.
Furthermore, throughout the month of November, the public can take advantage of the BIOdays promotionWith this offer, all tickets can be purchased at the child price through the website and up until the day before, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary facilities and recreations of BIOPARC.
