Fin's Fish Guide
The Fewtooth haplo (Haplochromis paucidens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of Lake Kivu and surroundings (border of DR Congo and Rwanda) in East Africa, near rocky and vegetated shores.
Description
The fewtooth haplo is a small, colourful lake cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 11 cm. Outside the breeding season it is inconspicuous, but the breeding male colours up vivid yellow-blue with dark cross-bands. Characteristic is its reproduction: the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth and broods them there, after which the young still retreat into the mouth when threatened (mouthbrooder). The species comes from Lake Kivu and surroundings in East Africa and lives near rocky and vegetated shores. As a small predator it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans, snails and small fish. Like other haplochromine cichlids it is part of the rich, rapidly evolved species flock of the East African lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fewtooth haplo?
The Fewtooth haplo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, colourful lake cichlid; the male colours bright yellow-blue, and the female broods the eggs in her mouth.
Where does the Fewtooth haplo live?
The Fewtooth haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of Lake Kivu and surroundings (border of DR Congo and Rwanda) in East Africa, near rocky and vegetated shores.
How big does the Fewtooth haplo get?
The Fewtooth haplo grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Fewtooth haplo dangerous to humans?
No, the Fewtooth haplo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fewtooth haplo edible?
The Fewtooth 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 Haplochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Fewtooth haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fewtooth haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.