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Teardrop haplochromis (Haplochromis lacrimosus) — Cichlidae

Teardrop haplochromis

Haplochromis lacrimosus
Family: Cichlidae

The Teardrop haplochromis (Haplochromis lacrimosus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–6 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

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Description

The teardrop haplochromis is a cichlid from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate body; courting males are handsomely coloured with a dark stripe below the eye, like a tear, while females are greyish. As a bottom-dweller it searches for small invertebrates, insect larvae and detritus. It is a mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Teardrop haplochromis?

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

Where does the Teardrop haplochromis live?

The Teardrop haplochromis lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

How big does the Teardrop haplochromis get?

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

Is the Teardrop haplochromis dangerous to humans?

No, the Teardrop 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
Teardrop haplochromis sourced
Scientific name
Haplochromis lacrimosus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
6 verified
Natural range
Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania 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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