Fin's Fish Guide
The Striped haplo (Haplochromis vittatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Fresh water of the Albertine Rift region in East Africa, in lakes and rivers with rocky or vegetated bottoms.
Description
The striped haplo is a small, colourful lake cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 19 cm. Outside the breeding season it is inconspicuous, but the breeding male colours up vivid yellow-blue with dark cross-bands. Characteristic is its reproduction: the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth and broods them there, after which the young still retreat into the mouth when threatened (mouthbrooder). The species comes from the Albertine Rift region of East Africa and lives in lakes and rivers with rocky or vegetated bottoms. As a small predator it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans, snails and small fish. Haplochromis cichlids form enormous, rapidly evolved species flocks in the great African lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Striped haplo?
The Striped haplo has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, colourful lake cichlid; the male is bright yellow-blue with dark vertical bars, and the female broods the eggs in her mouth.
Where does the Striped haplo live?
The Striped haplo lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Fresh water of the Albertine Rift region in East Africa, in lakes and rivers with rocky or vegetated bottoms.
How big does the Striped haplo get?
The Striped haplo grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Striped haplo dangerous to humans?
No, the Striped haplo is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Striped haplo edible?
The Striped haplo is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Striped haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Haplochromis
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Striped haplo?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Striped haplo is one of 12,519 species in the app.