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Lesser haplochromis (Haplochromis humilior) — Cichlidae

Lesser haplochromis

Haplochromis humilior
Family: Cichlidae

The Lesser haplochromis (Haplochromis humilior) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The lesser haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an elongate body; courting males are handsomely coloured, females plain 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 Lesser haplochromis?

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

Where does the Lesser haplochromis live?

The Lesser haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Lesser haplochromis get?

The Lesser haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Lesser haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Lesser haplochromis 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Lesser haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis humilior
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.0 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
Natural range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. 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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