CR

Haplochromis cnester

Declining

Overview

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

Haplochromis cnester 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 critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated essential spawning grounds.

Threat summary

Habitat

Haplochromis cnester is endemic to Lake Victoria, inhabiting shallow rocky and sandy areas along the shoreline where it feeds and breeds. The species typically occurs in depths of 2-10 meters in areas with moderate water flow and rocky substrates that provide shelter and foraging opportunities.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

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Myaka MyakaCR

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Lepiota echinella

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Panicum pinifolium

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Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis cnester classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis cnester 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 cnester 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 critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated essential spawning grounds.
Where does Haplochromis cnester live?
Haplochromis cnester 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 cnester?
The main threats to Haplochromis cnester 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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