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Predatory haplochromis (Haplochromis serranus) — Cichlidae

Predatory haplochromis

Haplochromis serranus
Family: Cichlidae

The Predatory haplochromis (Haplochromis serranus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
20.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–8.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The predatory haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 21 cm and has an elongate, slender body with a large mouth; courting males are handsomely coloured, females greyish. As a predator it hunts small fish in open water and along banks. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Predatory haplochromis?

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

Where does the Predatory haplochromis live?

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

How big does the Predatory haplochromis get?

The Predatory haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Predatory haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Predatory 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
Predatory haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis serranus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.5 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)
8.0 verified
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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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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