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Haplochromis nigricans — Cichlidae

Haplochromis nigricans

Haplochromis nigricans
Family: Cichlidae
NE · Not Evaluated

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

Length
9.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Lake Victoria
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The blackish Victoria cichlid is a cichlid from Lake Victoria and surroundings in East Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky body; males colour up dark with a blue-green sheen in breeding dress. As an algae feeder it grazes aufwuchs and algae from rocks along the shore. It is a mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth. Owing to competition with introduced species many Victoria cichlids are under pressure. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Haplochromis nigricans?

The Haplochromis nigricans has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Algae-grazing rock dweller; mouthbrooder

Where does the Haplochromis nigricans live?

The Haplochromis nigricans lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Victoria

How big does the Haplochromis nigricans get?

The Haplochromis nigricans grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Haplochromis nigricans dangerous to humans?

No, the Haplochromis nigricans 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.

Is the Haplochromis nigricans edible?

The Haplochromis nigricans is not usually eaten.

More photos

Haplochromis nigricans — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Boulenger, George Albert (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Haplochromis nigricans verified
Scientific name
Haplochromis nigricans
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Lake Victoria verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Biofilm and algae from rocks inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Algae-grazing lake cichlid; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Algae-grazing rock dweller; mouthbrooder 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
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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