Home · Cichlidae · Sky-blue Kivu haplo
Sky-blue Kivu haplo (Haplochromis crebridens) — Cichlidae

Sky-blue Kivu haplo

Haplochromis crebridens
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sky-blue Kivu haplo (Haplochromis crebridens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Haplochromis crebridens is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Kivu in East Africa. The species has a streamlined body with a sky-blue sheen and reaches about 10 cm. Like other haplochromine cichlids of the East African lakes the species is a mouthbrooder: the female broods the eggs and young in her mouth. Males are more brightly coloured than females. The fish inhabits the shallow shore zones of the lake and feeds on small invertebrates. The species is part of the exceptionally species-rich cichlid fauna of Lake Kivu.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sky-blue Kivu haplo?

The Sky-blue Kivu haplo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Sky-blue Kivu haplo live?

The Sky-blue Kivu haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Sky-blue Kivu haplo get?

The Sky-blue Kivu haplo grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Sky-blue Kivu haplo dangerous to humans?

No, the Sky-blue Kivu haplo is harmless to humans.

Is the Sky-blue Kivu haplo edible?

The Sky-blue Kivu haplo is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hemelsblauwe Kivu-cichlide sourced
English name
Sky-blue Kivu haplo verified
Scientific name
Haplochromis crebridens
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Haplochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →