Haplochromis Antleter

📖 Overview

A benthic species found in sub-littoral areas of the Mwanza Gulf mainly over mud bottoms; the depth range is 2-11 m . Before the ecological changes in Lake Victoria, this species fed mainly on detritus, but also included phytoplankton, mainly Aulacoseira, and occasionally insect larvae and zooplankton in its diet . Based on the egg dummies on the anal fin of males and the egg size in ripe females, it is a female mouth brooder .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 28 - 30. Diagnosis: Haplochromis antleter belongs to an assemblage of small sized (less than 9 cm standard length), relatively deep-bodied (body depth larger than 35% of standard length) micrognathic species with a moderately curved to straight dorsal head profile; the fish in this group have relatively small, mainly bicuspid, teeth in the oral jaws . It can be distinguished from Haplochromis cinctus, Haplochromis paropius and Haplochromis katunzii by live colouration of sexually active males: Haplochromis antleter is dusky coloured with no or faint vertical bars and it is the only species of this assemblage that has no or a faint lachrymal stripe; H. paropius has a red dorsum and a greenish flank with faint vertical bars; in contrast to the other three species H. paropius often has a mid-lateral band; H. cinctus has a red dorsum, an orange to yellowish flank and dark vertical bars; H. katunzii is sandy-brown and has, compared to H. antleter, more distinctive vertical bars . Haplochromis antleter has a shallower cheek depth, 16.1-21.1% of head length, than H. katunzii and H. paropius, 18.6-24.6% of head length and 18.1-24.2% respectively; and the interorbital width is smaller, 19.1-24.9% of head length, than in the type-specimens of H. cinctus, 24.3-27.2% of head length . Compared to H. katunzii, H. antleter has a less pronounced mental prominence on the lower jaw . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Haplochromis Antleter is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Based on the egg dummies on the anal fin of males and the egg size in ripe females, it is a female mouth brooder .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal; depth range 2 - 11 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis Antleter.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute