New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Haplochromis Rufus

Haplochromis rufus Seehausen & Lippitsch, 1998
Max Length
8.6 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
13.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

This species is restricted to rocky substrates. Inhabits inshore, on gentle, as well as on steep slopes. Feeds on insect larvae and snails .

Scientific Name
Haplochromis rufus
Authority
Seehausen & Lippitsch, 1998
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
8.6 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
13.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10; Vertebrae: 27 - 30. : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Haplochromis Rufus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Haplochromis Rufus is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

👄 Mouth Brooder

A polygynous female mouthbrooder, probably with maternal care.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Tropical endemic to the Mwanza Gulf in southern Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.3±0.5
Food Items

insect larvae and snails (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01445 × L2.99 (TL)
Max TL
8.6cm
Dorsal Spines
16
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9
Vertebrae
29

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2010

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
13.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Seehausen & Lippitsch, 1998

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Haplochromis Rufus ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.