CR

Haplochromis annectidens

Unknown

Overview

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

Haplochromis annectidens faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated important shallow-water nursery areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid inhabits the shallow rocky and sandy shores of Lake Victoria, typically found at depths of 1-10 meters where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with stable substrate for breeding and is particularly dependent on nearshore areas with rocky outcrops and sandy patches.

Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Amatitlania myrnae

Declining
CR

Oreochromis chungruruensis

Declining
VU

Darienheros calobrensis

Unknown
VU

Isthmoheros tuyrensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis annectidens classified as Critically Endangered?
Haplochromis annectidens 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 annectidens faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across endemic cichlid species. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in critical breeding areas. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices have further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development has eliminated important shallow-water nursery areas.
Where does Haplochromis annectidens live?
Haplochromis annectidens occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Haplochromis annectidens?
The main threats to Haplochromis annectidens are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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