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Many-spot haplochromis (Haplochromis multiocellatus) — Cichlidae

Many-spot haplochromis

Haplochromis multiocellatus
Family: Cichlidae

The Many-spot haplochromis (Haplochromis multiocellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola

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Description

The many-spot haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body; males bear a row of orange, eyespot-like dots ('egg spots') on the anal fin that play a role in courtship, while females are greyish. As a bottom-dweller it searches for small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Many-spot haplochromis?

The Many-spot haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Many-spot haplochromis live?

The Many-spot haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Angola

How big does the Many-spot haplochromis get?

The Many-spot haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Many-spot haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Many-spot 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
Many-spot haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis multiocellatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola 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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