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Petronius haplo (Haplochromis petronius) — Cichlidae

Petronius haplo

Haplochromis petronius
Family: Cichlidae

The Petronius haplo (Haplochromis petronius) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Petronius 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 Petronius haplo?

The Petronius haplo is mainly blue.

Where does the Petronius haplo live?

The Petronius haplo is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Petronius haplo get?

The Petronius haplo grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Petronius haplo dangerous to humans?

No, the Petronius haplo is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Petronius-cichlide sourced
English name
Petronius haplo sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis petronius
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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