Haplochromis Molossus
📖 Overview
Haplochromis Molossus (Haplochromis molossus), first described by Vranken, Van Steenberge & Snoeks, 2019 is a small fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 10.90 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 - 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
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Haplochromis Molossus.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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