Home · Cichlidae · Moero haplochromis
Moero haplochromis (Thoracochromis moeruensis) — Cichlidae

Moero haplochromis

Thoracochromis moeruensis
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Moero haplochromis (Thoracochromis moeruensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; Lake Mweru and surroundings in the southern Congo basin.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Want the complete picture on the Moero haplochromis?

Description

The Moero haplochromis is a small haplochromine cichlid from Central Africa, occurring in Lake Mweru and surroundings in the southern Congo basin. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky body; males are usually more brightly coloured than females. It inhabits shallow, vegetated shore zones and soft bottoms. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Like many related cichlids it is a maternal mouthbrooder. Owing to a restricted range and threats to its habitat the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Moero haplochromis?

The Moero haplochromis has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Vulnerable haplochromine of Lake Mweru; maternal mouthbrooder with a limited range.

Where does the Moero haplochromis live?

The Moero haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; Lake Mweru and surroundings in the southern Congo basin.

How big does the Moero haplochromis get?

The Moero haplochromis grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Moero haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Moero haplochromis is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Moero haplochromis edible?

The Moero haplochromis is rarely eaten.

Want the complete picture on the Moero haplochromis?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Moero haplochromis is one of 12,519 species in the app.

All data

Identification

English name
Moero haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Thoracochromis moeruensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; Lake Mweru and surroundings in the southern Congo basin.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, algae and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Vulnerable haplochromine of Lake Mweru; maternal mouthbrooder with a limited range. sourced

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Thoracochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Want the complete picture on the Moero haplochromis?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Moero haplochromis is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Is this the Moero haplochromis?