Home · Cichlidae · Predatory haplochromis
Predatory haplochromis (Haplochromis serranus) — Cichlidae

Predatory haplochromis

Haplochromis serranus
Family: Cichlidae

The Predatory haplochromis (Haplochromis serranus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
20.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–8.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The predatory haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 21 cm and has an elongate, slender body with a large mouth; courting males are handsomely coloured, females greyish. As a predator it hunts small fish in open water and along banks. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Predatory haplochromis?

The Predatory haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Predatory haplochromis live?

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

How big does the Predatory haplochromis get?

The Predatory haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Predatory haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Predatory haplochromis is harmless to humans.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roofzucht-victoriacichlide sourced
English name
Predatory haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis serranus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
8.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
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

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →