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Bigeye haplochromis (Haplochromis macrops) — Cichlidae

Bigeye haplochromis

Haplochromis macrops
Family: Cichlidae

The Bigeye haplochromis (Haplochromis macrops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The Bigeye haplochromis is a cichlid from Lakes Victoria and Edward in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky, laterally compressed body; males often colour bright blue-green or yellowish with egg-spots on the anal fin, females duller. Its large eyes aid hunting in deeper, dim water. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigeye haplochromis?

The Bigeye haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Bigeye haplochromis live?

The Bigeye haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Bigeye haplochromis get?

The Bigeye haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Bigeye haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigeye haplochromis is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bigeye haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis macrops
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Haplochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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