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Redspot cichlid (Haplochromis erythromaculatus) — Cichlidae

Redspot cichlid

Haplochromis erythromaculatus
Family: Cichlidae
EN · Endangered

The Redspot cichlid (Haplochromis erythromaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
East Africa; shallow, vegetated banks of Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (Albertine Rift).
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The redspot cichlid is a haplochromine cichlid from fresh water of Central Africa, including the Congo basin and Cameroon. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body; courting males show vivid red spots and a blue sheen. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches among stones and plants for insect larvae, small invertebrates and algae. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redspot cichlid?

The Redspot cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Endangered haplochromine with a restricted range; maternal mouthbrooder.

Where does the Redspot cichlid live?

The Redspot cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Africa; shallow, vegetated banks of Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (Albertine Rift).

How big does the Redspot cichlid get?

The Redspot cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Redspot cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Redspot cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Redspot cichlid edible?

The Redspot cichlid is not usually eaten.

More photos

Redspot cichlid (Haplochromis erythromaculatus) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Rob Palmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
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All data

Identification

English name
Redspot cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis erythromaculatus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Bulera haplo sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
East Africa; shallow, vegetated banks of Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (Albertine Rift). inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Endangered haplochromine with a restricted range; maternal mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

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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