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Speke's haplochromis (Haplochromis spekii) — Cichlidae

Speke's haplochromis

Haplochromis spekii
Family: Cichlidae

The Speke's haplochromis (Haplochromis spekii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
3.0–9.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Speke's haplochromis is a cichlid from Lake Victoria in East Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a stocky, laterally compressed body; males often colour bright blue-green or yellowish with egg-spots on the anal fin, females duller. It is one of the larger species and hunts small fish and invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speke's haplochromis?

The Speke's haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Speke's haplochromis live?

The Speke's haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Speke's haplochromis get?

The Speke's haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Speke's haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Speke's haplochromis is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Spekes haplochromis sourced
English name
Speke's haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis spekii
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
9.0 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

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