Haplochromis crassilabris
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplochromis_crassilabris
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Haplochromis crassilabris faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across native cichlid species through predation and competition. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in critical breeding areas. Overfishing using fine-mesh nets has further depleted remaining populations, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated shallow breeding grounds essential for this species' reproductive success.
Habitat
This cichlid species inhabits the shallow, rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria, typically found in depths of 1-10 meters where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates. It prefers areas with moderate vegetation cover and rocky substrates that provide shelter and spawning sites.
