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Strangejaw haplo (Haplochromis xenognathus) — Cichlidae

Strangejaw haplo

Haplochromis xenognathus
Family: Cichlidae

The Strangejaw haplo (Haplochromis xenognathus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11.3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The Strangejaw haplo is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky body; dominant males colour up brightly with blue, yellow or red tints and carry 'egg-spots' on the anal fin. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches, depending on the species, for small invertebrates, snails, algae or small fish. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects the eggs and young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Strangejaw haplo?

The Strangejaw haplo has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Strangejaw haplo live?

The Strangejaw haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Strangejaw haplo get?

The Strangejaw haplo grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Strangejaw haplo dangerous to humans?

No, the Strangejaw haplo 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
Strangejaw haplo sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis xenognathus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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