Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue Victoria mouthbrooder (Haplochromis nubilus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.
East Africa, in shallow shore zones near vegetation of Lake Victoria and surrounding lakes and rivers.
Description
Haplochromis nubilus is a cichlid of East Africa, best known from Lake Victoria. The species reaches about 9 cm; sexually mature males are dark blue to blackish, females plain. It inhabits shallow inshore areas close to vegetation. In Lake Victoria the species is largely omnivorous, with insect larvae and small crustaceans as its main food, supplemented by algae and detritus. As a maternal mouthbrooder the female protects the young in her mouth. Owing to decline in Lake Victoria the species is considered Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder?
The Blue Victoria mouthbrooder has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Maternal mouthbrooder; males dark blue; considered vulnerable (VU) due to its decline in Lake Victoria.
Where does the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder live?
The Blue Victoria mouthbrooder lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa, in shallow shore zones near vegetation of Lake Victoria and surrounding lakes and rivers.
How big does the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder get?
The Blue Victoria mouthbrooder grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder edible?
The Blue Victoria mouthbrooder is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Haplochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue Victoria mouthbrooder is one of 12,519 species in the app.