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Stappers's haplochromis (Astatotilapia stappersii) — Cichlidae

Stappers's haplochromis

Astatotilapia stappersii
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Stappers's haplochromis (Astatotilapia stappersii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central and East Africa; streams and rivers around Lake Tanganyika.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Stappers's haplochromis is a small haplochromine cichlid from Central and East Africa, including the drainage around Lake Tanganyika. The species grows to about 15 cm; males are more brightly coloured with bluish and yellow tints than the plain females. It inhabits brooks and rivers and shallow, vegetated zones. As a small predator it feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates. Like most haplochromines it is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Stappers's haplochromis?

The Stappers's haplochromis has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. More brightly coloured males; maternal mouthbrooder from the Tanganyika basin.

Where does the Stappers's haplochromis live?

The Stappers's haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central and East Africa; streams and rivers around Lake Tanganyika.

How big does the Stappers's haplochromis get?

The Stappers's haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Stappers's haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Stappers's haplochromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Stappers's haplochromis edible?

The Stappers's haplochromis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Stappers's haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Astatotilapia stappersii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Central and East Africa; streams and rivers around Lake Tanganyika. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates 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
More brightly coloured males; maternal mouthbrooder from the Tanganyika basin. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
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 Astatotilapia

More from the family Cichlidae

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