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Teardrop haplochromis (Haplochromis lacrimosus) — Cichlidae

Teardrop haplochromis

Haplochromis lacrimosus
Family: Cichlidae

The Teardrop haplochromis (Haplochromis lacrimosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–6.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The teardrop haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate body; courting males are handsomely coloured with a dark stripe below the eye, like a tear, while females are greyish. As a bottom-dweller it searches for small invertebrates, insect larvae and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Teardrop haplochromis?

The Teardrop haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Teardrop haplochromis live?

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

How big does the Teardrop haplochromis get?

The Teardrop haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Teardrop haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Teardrop haplochromis is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Traanvlek-victoriacichlide sourced
English name
Teardrop haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis lacrimosus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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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