Haplochromis macrognathus
Overview
Haplochromis macrognathus is a species of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa. This piscivorous species can reach a standard length of 17.4 cm (6.9 in). Last seen in the early 1980s, it may now be extinct.
Haplochromis macrognathus 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 remaining populations, while habitat modification from shoreline development continues to eliminate spawning grounds.
Habitat
This endemic cichlid inhabits the shallow rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria, particularly areas with complex substrate structure that provide shelter and breeding sites. The species typically occurs in depths of 2-15 meters where it feeds on invertebrates and small fish among the rocky crevices.
