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Speke's haplochromis (Haplochromis spekii) — Cichlidae

Speke's haplochromis

Haplochromis spekii
Family: Cichlidae

The Speke's haplochromis (Haplochromis spekii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
3.0–9.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The Speke's haplochromis is a cichlid from Lake Victoria in East Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a stocky, laterally compressed body; males often colour bright blue-green or yellowish with egg-spots on the anal fin, females duller. It is one of the larger species and hunts small fish and invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speke's haplochromis?

The Speke's haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Speke's haplochromis live?

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

How big does the Speke's haplochromis get?

The Speke's haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Speke's haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Speke's 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.

More photos

Speke's haplochromis (Haplochromis spekii) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert, 1858-1937 (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Speke's haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis spekii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
9.0 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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