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Hollowforehead haplochromis (Haplochromis cavifrons) — Cichlidae

Hollowforehead haplochromis

Haplochromis cavifrons
Family: Cichlidae

The Hollowforehead haplochromis (Haplochromis cavifrons) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–13.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Hollowforehead haplochromis is a cichlid from Lake Victoria in East Africa. The species grows to about 19 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. It has a concave forehead profile and hunts small invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hollowforehead haplochromis?

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

Where does the Hollowforehead haplochromis live?

The Hollowforehead haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Hollowforehead haplochromis get?

The Hollowforehead haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Hollowforehead haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Hollowforehead haplochromis is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Holvoorhoofd-haplochromis sourced
English name
Hollowforehead haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis cavifrons
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.5 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
Max depth (m)
13.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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