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Moero haplochromis (Thoracochromis moeruensis) — Cichlidae

Moero haplochromis

Thoracochromis moeruensis
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Moero haplochromis (Thoracochromis moeruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Moero haplochromis is a small haplochromine cichlid from Central Africa, occurring in Lake Mweru and surroundings in the southern Congo basin. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky body; males are usually more brightly coloured than females. It inhabits shallow, vegetated shore zones and soft bottoms. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like many related cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder. Owing to a restricted range and threats to its habitat the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moero haplochromis?

The Moero haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Moero haplochromis live?

The Moero haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Moero haplochromis get?

The Moero haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Moero haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Moero haplochromis is harmless to humans.

Is the Moero haplochromis edible?

The Moero haplochromis is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Moero-haplochromis sourced
English name
Moero haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Thoracochromis moeruensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Thoracochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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