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Stout haplochromis (Haplochromis obesus) — Cichlidae

Stout haplochromis

Haplochromis obesus
Family: Cichlidae

The Stout haplochromis (Haplochromis obesus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The stout haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a deep, stocky body with powerful jaws; courting males are handsomely coloured, females greyish. As a bottom-dweller it crushes snails and other molluscs with strong throat teeth. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Stout haplochromis?

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

Where does the Stout haplochromis live?

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

How big does the Stout haplochromis get?

The Stout haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Stout haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Stout 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
Stout haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis obesus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
15.0 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 inferred
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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