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Haplochromis mahagiensis — Cichlidae

Haplochromis mahagiensis

Haplochromis mahagiensis
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Haplochromis mahagiensis is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Lake Albert in East Africa (DR Congo and Uganda).
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Haplochromis mahagiensis is a small cichlid from Lake Albert in East Africa, on the border of DR Congo and Uganda. The species reaches about 8 cm and has a streamlined body. It feeds on small invertebrates and insect larvae. Like most haplochromine cichlids of the East African lakes the species is a maternal mouthbrooder, the female protecting the eggs and young in her mouth. The cichlid fauna of Lake Albert is under pressure from overfishing and environmental change; the species is assessed by the IUCN as vulnerable (VU).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Haplochromis mahagiensis?

The Haplochromis mahagiensis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Maternal mouthbrooder from Lake Albert; vulnerable (VU).

Where does the Haplochromis mahagiensis live?

The Haplochromis mahagiensis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Albert in East Africa (DR Congo and Uganda).

How big does the Haplochromis mahagiensis get?

The Haplochromis mahagiensis grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.

Is the Haplochromis mahagiensis dangerous to humans?

No, the Haplochromis mahagiensis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Haplochromis mahagiensis edible?

The Haplochromis mahagiensis is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Haplochromis mahagiensis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis mahagiensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Average length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin 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
Lake Albert in East Africa (DR Congo and Uganda). inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and insect larvae 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
Maternal mouthbrooder from Lake Albert; vulnerable (VU). sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable 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 Haplochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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