Haplochromis Gracilifur
📖 Overview
Haplochromis Gracilifur (Haplochromis gracilifur), first described by Vranken, Van Steenberge & Snoeks, 2019 is a small fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 10.30 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 29 - 30. Diagnosis: Haplochromis gracilifur differs from all other known paedophages from Lake Edward by its shorter premaxillary pedicel, 18.1-21.6% of head length vs. 21.6-29.1%, smaller number of lower lateral line scales, 7-9 vs. 9-15, exceptionally 7, and bicuspid outer teeth with long minor cusps . It resembles H. molossus and H. taurinus by its rounded jaws and small lachrymal bones; it differs from both by its more slender body, 30.2-34.8% of standard length vs. 33.5-38.6% and 33.9-40.1%, respectively; it is further distinct from H. taurinus by its shorter lower jaws, 42.4-44.7% of head length vs. 44.5-51.3%, and smaller eyes, 29.0-32.3% of head length vs. 32.9-40.2%; from H. molossus by its more slender jaws, 61.9-69.4% of lower jaw length vs. 67.0-87.0%, steeper gape inclination, 40-50° vs. 20-30°, and more gentle snout inclination, 10-20° vs. 45-55° . In addition, it has more outer teeth in upper jaw than H. relictidens and fewer than H. paradoxus, 26-35 vs. 16-26 and 36-65, respectively; clearly distinct from both by its smaller lachrymal bones, 13.7-14.3% of head length vs. 15.8-18.4% and 14.7-21.5%, respectively; further separated from H. relictidens by lower jaws rounded, whereas pointed in latter . Males of H. gracilifur have bright red flanks with two horizontal stripes vs. different colour patterns in all other paedophages .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Haplochromis Gracilifur is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis Gracilifur.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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