Fin's Fish Guide
The Astatodon haplo (Haplochromis astatodon) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Endemic to Lake Kivu in Central Africa (border of Congo and Rwanda), in rocky and vegetated coastal zones.
Description
The Kivu haplochromine is a small cichlid of the family Cichlidae endemic to Lake Kivu in Central Africa, reaching about 10 cm. The laterally compressed body is golden-yellow with a bluish sheen and faint crossbars; males are more vividly coloured and bear egg-spots on the anal fin. The species belongs to a group of closely related haplochromine cichlids that have formed their own array of species in the lake. It lives in rocky and vegetated shore zones and eats algae, growth, small invertebrates and plankton. Like many haplochromines it is a mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. Lake Kivu is an important centre of cichlid diversity.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Astatodon haplo?
The Astatodon haplo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Cichlid from Lake Kivu with faint vertical bars; the male broods the eggs in its mouth and has egg spots on the anal fin.
Where does the Astatodon haplo live?
The Astatodon haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic to Lake Kivu in Central Africa (border of Congo and Rwanda), in rocky and vegetated coastal zones.
How big does the Astatodon haplo get?
The Astatodon haplo grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Astatodon haplo dangerous to humans?
No, the Astatodon haplo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Astatodon haplo edible?
The Astatodon haplo is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Haplochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Astatodon haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Astatodon haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.