Haplochromis venator
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Haplochromis venator faces severe pressure from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across native cichlid species. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods have further reduced available breeding populations. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and urban pollution has altered the lake's ecosystem, affecting the species' specialized feeding and breeding behaviors.
Habitat
Haplochromis venator is endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa, where it inhabits rocky shores and shallow waters with sandy substrates. The species prefers areas with moderate water depth and good oxygen levels, typically found in nearshore environments with scattered rock formations that provide shelter and breeding sites.
