Fin's Fish Guide
The Ishmael's cichlid (Haplochromis ishmaeli) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
Ishmael's cichlid is a cichlid endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa. It grows to about 14 cm and is specialised in eating molluscs: with its powerful throat teeth it crushes snails and small mussels. It lives in shallow water over soft mud bottoms, sometimes over sand or gravel, to about 9 metres depth. Like most haplochromine cichlids of Lake Victoria it is a maternal mouthbrooder. Because of the decline of the native cichlids, partly due to the introduced Nile perch, the species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ishmael's cichlid?
The Ishmael's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Specialised mollusc-eater with powerful pharyngeal teeth; maternal mouthbrooder; critically endangered
Where does the Ishmael's cichlid live?
The Ishmael's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Victoria
How big does the Ishmael's cichlid get?
The Ishmael's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Ishmael's cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Ishmael's cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Ishmael's cichlid edible?
The Ishmael's cichlid is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Haplochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Ishmael's cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ishmael's cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.