Haplochromis Katunzii
📖 Overview
A benthic species found in sub-littoral areas of the Mwanza Gulf, mainly over mud bottoms; the depth range is 2-15 m . Before the ecological changes in Lake Victoria, this species fed mainly on detritus, but also included phytoplankton, insect larvae and copepods in its diet . Based on the egg dummies on the anal fin it is supposed to be a female mouth brooder .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 28 - 31. Diagnosis: Haplochromis katunzii 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 paropius, Haplochromis cinctus and Haplochromis antleter by live colouration of sexually active males: Haplochromis katunzii is sandy-brown, and has rather distinct vertical bars; H. antleter is dusky coloured, has faint vertical bars and no or a faint lachrymal stripe; H. cinctus has a red dorsum, an orange to yellowish flank and dark vertical bars; H. paropius has a red dorsum, a greenish flank and is the only species of the assemblage that often has a mid-lateral band . Haplochromis katunzii has a larger cheek depth, 18.6-24.6% of head length, than H. antleter, 16.1-21.1% of head length, as well as a more pronounced mental prominence on the lower jaw; and it has a smaller interorbital width, 19.2-24.1% of head length, than H. cinctus, 24.3-27.2% of head length . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Haplochromis Katunzii is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Based on the egg dummies on the anal fin it is supposed to be a female mouth brooder .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 2 - 15 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis Katunzii.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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