Haplochromis desfontainii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Haplochromis desfontainii faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines across native cichlid species. Habitat degradation from eutrophication, sedimentation, and pollution has further compromised the shallow rocky and sandy areas where this species historically thrived. Overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods have additionally reduced population numbers and degraded critical breeding habitats.
Habitat
Haplochromis desfontainii inhabits the shallow inshore waters of Lake Victoria, particularly areas with rocky substrates and sandy bottoms where it feeds and breeds. The species prefers depths of 1-6 meters in areas with moderate water movement and adequate oxygen levels.
