CR

Haplochromis teunisrasi

Declining

Overview

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

Haplochromis teunisrasi faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has degraded water quality in nearshore areas where this species historically occurred. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers and disrupted the lake's ecological balance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid species inhabits the shallow, rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria in East Africa. It typically occurs in nearshore waters with moderate depths, preferring areas with mixed substrate that provide feeding opportunities and shelter.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

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Mazarunia pala

Unknown
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Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
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 teunisrasi classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis teunisrasi 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 teunisrasi faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has degraded water quality in nearshore areas where this species historically occurred. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers and disrupted the lake's ecological balance.
Where does Haplochromis teunisrasi live?
Haplochromis teunisrasi 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 teunisrasi?
The main threats to Haplochromis teunisrasi 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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