Haplochromis flavipinnis
CR

Haplochromis flavipinnis

Declining

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

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Haplochromis flavipinnis 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 flavipinnis is endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa, where it historically inhabited rocky shores and deeper waters with sandy or muddy substrates. The species preferred areas with moderate depths and good water circulation, typically found in the lake's more sheltered bays and inlets.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

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Panicum pinifolium

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Aidia abeidii

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Meineckia stipularis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis flavipinnis classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis flavipinnis 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 flavipinnis 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 flavipinnis live?
Haplochromis flavipinnis occurs in 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 flavipinnis?
The main threats to Haplochromis flavipinnis 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.

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