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Halfspot hap (Mylochromis semipalatus) — Cichlidae

Halfspot hap

Mylochromis semipalatus
Family: Cichlidae

The Halfspot hap (Mylochromis semipalatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Halfspot hap is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate body; dominant males colour up bright blue or yellow in the breeding season. As a bottom-dweller of the sandy zone it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, insect larvae and worms. It is a mouthbrooder: the female protects the young in her mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Halfspot hap?

The Halfspot hap has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Halfspot hap live?

The Halfspot hap lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Halfspot hap get?

The Halfspot hap grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Halfspot hap dangerous to humans?

No, the Halfspot hap is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Halfvlek-zandcichlide sourced
English name
Halfspot hap sourced
Scientific name
Mylochromis semipalatus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Happy sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
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

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 Mylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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