Haplochromis quads
📖 Overview
Occurs at the sand/rock interface . Found at an average depth of 15 m . Feeds on plankton and benthic invertebrates . Territorial males build a bowl-shaped bower beneath and/or adjacent to a rock, 18-42cm in diameter and a 4-7 cm high rim; females occur in schools numbering up to 50 individuals, remaining within 2m above the bottom .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Diagnosis: 3 lateral spots on the body; supra-pectoral spot 2-2.5 times diameter of supra-anal spot; 12-15 gill rakers on the first ceratobranchial; breeding males with yellow breast, wide yellow marginal band in anal fin and a distinct yellow dorsal fin margin . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Haplochromis quads is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.3 - 8.4; dH range: 5 - 30; depth range 7 - 19 m . Tropical; 24°C - 27°C ; 13°S - 14°S Endemic to Mbenji Island, Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
plankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Copadichromis Mbenjii is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Haplochromis quads is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Haplochromis quads has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis quads.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Haplochromis quads ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.