Fin's Fish Guide
The Grauer's haplo (Haplochromis graueri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Fresh water, endemic to Lake Kivu (border of DR Congo and Rwanda) in East Africa, near rocky and vegetated shores.
Description
Grauer's haplo is a small, colourful cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 12 cm and endemic to Lake Kivu in East Africa. Outside the breeding season it is inconspicuous, but the breeding male colours up vivid blue-yellow 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 lives near rocky and vegetated shores of the lake. 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 Grauer's haplo?
The Grauer's haplo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, colourful lake cichlid endemic to Lake Kivu; the male colours brightly, and the female broods the eggs in her mouth.
Where does the Grauer's haplo live?
The Grauer's haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water, endemic to Lake Kivu (border of DR Congo and Rwanda) in East Africa, near rocky and vegetated shores.
How big does the Grauer's haplo get?
The Grauer's haplo grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Grauer's haplo dangerous to humans?
No, the Grauer's haplo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Grauer's haplo edible?
The Grauer's 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 Grauer's haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Grauer's haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.