Haplochromis guiarti
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplochromis_guiarti
Overview
Haplochromis guiarti is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Victoria though it may now be extinct. This species can reach a length of 17.7 centimetres (7.0 in) SL. The specific name honours the French parasitologist Jules Guiart (1870-1965), who was a friend of Jacques Pellegrin's.
Haplochromis guiarti faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across native cichlid species. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has degraded water quality in critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated essential spawning grounds.
Habitat
This endemic cichlid inhabits the shallow rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria, particularly areas with complex substrate structure that provide shelter and breeding sites. The species prefers depths of 2-10 meters where it can access both benthic invertebrates and algal growth on rock surfaces.
