The island of Madagascar off Africa’s east coast is home to many colorful fish that inhabit the island’s freshwater lakes and rivers. The endemic freshwater fishes of Madagascar face a number of challenges to their survival. Due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the introduction of exotic species, these beautiful fish are now facing extinction. Denver Zoo supports a captive breeding program that ultimately aims to help freshwater fish conservation in Madagascar.
Denver Zoo has played an integral part in the discovery, study, and captive propagation of these critically endangered fishes since 1994. In the field, the project involves the assessment of fish habitat; measuring water chemistry, flow, available cover, and food; and looking for the presence of exotic competitors and predators.
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