Haplochromis microdon
CR

Haplochromis microdon

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplochromis_microdon

Overview

Haplochromis microdon is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Victoria. It is critically endangered, though it may now be extinct. This species can reach a length of 14.8 centimetres (5.8 in) SL.

Haplochromis microdon faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines through predation and competition. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in the lake's deeper waters where this species historically occurred. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers and degraded critical breeding habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Haplochromis microdon is endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa, where it historically inhabited deeper waters and rocky substrates. The species preferred areas with moderate depths and complex bottom structures that provided shelter and feeding opportunities.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Egypt

EN

Anarrhinum pubescens

Declining
AoudadVU

Aoudad

Ammotragus lervia

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

Chlamydotis macqueenii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis microdon classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis microdon is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Haplochromis microdon faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines through predation and competition. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in the lake's deeper waters where this species historically occurred. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers and degraded critical breeding habitats.
Where does Haplochromis microdon live?
Haplochromis microdon occurs in Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Haplochromis microdon?
The main threats to Haplochromis microdon are 8.3, 9.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.