CR

Haplochromis bareli

Declining

Overview

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

Haplochromis bareli 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 the lake's shallow breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated critical spawning grounds.

Threat summary

Habitat

Haplochromis bareli inhabits the shallow, rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria, typically found in areas with moderate vegetation cover. This endemic cichlid prefers depths of 2-10 meters where it feeds among the substrate and seeks shelter in rocky crevices.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

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Unknown
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Pearl Cichlid

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Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

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Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis bareli classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis bareli 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 bareli 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 the lake's shallow breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated critical spawning grounds.
Where does Haplochromis bareli live?
Haplochromis bareli occurs in Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Haplochromis bareli?
The main threats to Haplochromis bareli 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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