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Many-spot haplochromis (Haplochromis multiocellatus) — Cichlidae

Many-spot haplochromis

Haplochromis multiocellatus
Family: Cichlidae

The Many-spot haplochromis (Haplochromis multiocellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola

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Description

The many-spot haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body; males bear a row of orange, eyespot-like dots ('egg spots') on the anal fin that play a role in courtship, while females are greyish. As a bottom-dweller it searches for small invertebrates and insect larvae. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Many-spot haplochromis?

The Many-spot haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Many-spot haplochromis live?

The Many-spot haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Angola

How big does the Many-spot haplochromis get?

The Many-spot haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Many-spot haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Many-spot haplochromis 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Many-spot haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis multiocellatus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Angola sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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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