Haplochromis Luteus
📖 Overview
Inhabits exclusively the shallow waters (0-2 m) of gently sloping small rock boulder shores, particularly surf protected habitats like small bays. Adult males keep territories at 0.5 m depth under the roots of floating reed mats, but also in large and deep pools between the rock stacks. Found over stone-sand mixed substrate. Feeds mainly on filamentous algae, but takes also insect larvae.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 28 - 30. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Haplochromis Luteus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
A polygynous female mouth brooder with maternal parental care. Males seem to be territorial and sometimes chase other fishes. Brooding females have been observed in very shallow water under roots of floating reed. In the aquarium, females release their fry after about 21 days but continue to keep them in the mouth in situations of danger and at night, for up to another 17 days. Size at 50% maturity not precisely known, but above 12.3 cm SL at the Makobe Island (Lake Victoria, Tanzania).
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 0 - 2 m . Tropical known only from the western Speke Gulf and the Sengerema region of Lake Victoria, Tanzania.
🌿 Ecology
filamentous algae, but takes also insect larvae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis Luteus.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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