Kingdom Animalia Order Cyprinodontiformes Genus Aphanius Higher classification Aphanius | Phylum Chordata Family Cyprinodontidae Scientific name Aphanius sirhani Rank Species | |
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The Azraq toothcarp (Aphanius sirhani) is a species of fish in the Cyprinodontidae family. It is endemic to the Azraq Wetland Reserve in Jordan.
In 1983, Aphanius sirhani was described for the first time as a new species of killifish. It was found at Azraq Wetland Reserve in Jordan, the only habitat for this species in the world. Habitat changes and the introduction of other fish species reduced its population until it almost disappeared in 1989 and was thought to be extinct in the mid-1990s. In 2000 a survey showed that there were around 45 adult fish remaining within the Azraq wetland. In 2001 a rescue mission involving captive breeding was initiated to secure the species' future, aiming at reintroducing captive fish into the wild. While the population is stable as of 2014, it is entirely dependent on the wetland, whose water levels are currently artificially maintained to counter illegal extraction of water. Successful reintroduction to the wild will depend on factors including the removal of the alien mango tilapia and the attainment of a naturally stable and sufficient body of water.