Haplochromis Molossus

📖 Overview

Overview information for Haplochromis Molossus is currently being compiled by our editorial team.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 28 - 30. Diagnosis: Haplochromis molossus differs from all other known paedophagous Haplochromis within Lakes Edward and George by its broader oral jaws, 67.0-87.0% of lower jaw length vs. 42.0-72.7%, steeper snout, 45-55° vs. 10-40°, and more gentle gape inclination, 20-30° vs. 40-55° . It is similar to H. taurinus and H. gracilifur by its rounded jaws and small lachrymal bones; further distinct from H. taurinus by its smaller eyes, 29.8-33.9% of head length vs. 32.9-40.2%, and from H. gracilifur by its deeper caudal peduncle, 65.5-83.6% of caudal peduncle length vs. 62.9-66.4%, longer premaxillary pedicel, 21.6-25.8% of head length vs. 18.1-21.6%, and higher numbers of infraorbital cheek scales, 3-4 vs. 2, and lower lateral line scales, 9-14 vs. 7-9 . In addtion, it has more outer teeth in upper jaw than H. relictidens and fewer than H. paradoxus, 22-34 vs. 16-26 and 36-65, respectively; it is distinct from both by smaller lachrymal bones, 13.3-17.0% of head length vs. 15.8-18.4% and 14.7-21.5%, respectively; further separated from H. relictidens by its broadly rounded lower jaw vs. pointed lower jaw . Mature males of H. molossus have green bodies and flanks with 6-8 vertical stripes vs. different colour patterns in all other paedophages .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Haplochromis Molossus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Haplochromis Molossus is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Haplochromis Molossus is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute