Haplochromis argenteus
Overview
Haplochromis argenteus is a critically endangered species of cichlid fish that is endemic to the Lake Victoria system in Africa. This species reaches a standard length of 20.2 cm (8.0 in). The species declined rapidly after the Nile perch was introduced to Lake Victoria.
Last reported from this lake in 1983, it was considered possibly extinct when evaluated by the IUCN in 2010. However, that same year, several were recorded during a fish survey of Lake Bisina, a satellite lake of Lake Kyoga.
Haplochromis argenteus 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 disrupted the lake's ecological balance.
Habitat
Haplochromis argenteus is endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa, where it inhabits rocky shores and deeper waters of the lake. This cichlid species was historically found in areas with rocky substrates and clear waters, typically at depths ranging from shallow littoral zones to moderate depths.
