Fin's Fish Guide
The Burton's haplo (Astatotilapia burtoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
Astatotilapia burtoni is a small cichlid from Lake Tanganyika and its surrounding rivers in East Africa. It grows to about 8-12 cm and is noted for strong sexual dimorphism: dominant males turn bright yellow to blue with conspicuous egg-spots on the anal fin, while females and subordinate males stay grey. A mouthbrooder, the female incubates the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is omnivorous, eating algae, detritus, plankton and small invertebrates. Because of its striking social behaviour it is widely used as a model organism in scientific research.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Burton's haplo?
The Burton's haplo has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small mouthbrooding cichlid; dominant males are brightly yellow to blue coloured with 'egg spots' on the anal fin, while suppressed males and females stay grey. Much-used model organism in behavioural research.
Where does the Burton's haplo live?
The Burton's haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding rivers and swamps in East Africa.
How big does the Burton's haplo get?
The Burton's haplo grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Burton's haplo dangerous to humans?
No, the Burton's haplo 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.
Is the Burton's haplo edible?
The Burton's haplo is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Astatotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Burton's haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Burton's haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.