CR

Haplochromis longirostris

Declining

Overview

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

Haplochromis longirostris faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated important shallow-water nursery areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Haplochromis longirostris is endemic to Lake Victoria, where it inhabits shallow rocky and sandy shores with moderate vegetation cover. The species prefers areas with depths of 2-10 meters, particularly around rocky outcrops that provide shelter and feeding opportunities.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

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Unknown
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Apistogramma cinilabra

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EN

Pearl Cichlid

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Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis longirostris classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis longirostris 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 longirostris faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated important shallow-water nursery areas.
Where does Haplochromis longirostris live?
Haplochromis longirostris 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 longirostris?
The main threats to Haplochromis longirostris 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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