CRCritically Endangered

Haplochromis vonlinnei

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplochromis_vonlinnei

Overview

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

Haplochromis vonlinnei faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines through predation and competition. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in the lake's deeper waters where this species historically occurred. Overfishing using fine-mesh nets has further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development continues to impact breeding areas.
Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid inhabits the deeper rocky and sandy areas of Lake Victoria, typically found at depths between 10-40 meters. The species prefers areas with moderate water flow and rocky substrates that provide shelter and breeding sites.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryPolicies and regulations

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

Frequently asked questions

Why is Haplochromis vonlinnei classified as Critically Endangered?

Haplochromis vonlinnei 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 vonlinnei faces severe threats from the introduction of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Lake Victoria, which has caused dramatic population declines through predation and competition. Eutrophication from agricultural runoff and sewage has degraded water quality and reduced oxygen levels in the lake's deeper waters where this species historically occurred. Overfishing using fine-mesh nets has further reduced population numbers, while habitat modification from shoreline development continues to impact breeding areas.

Where does Haplochromis vonlinnei live?

Haplochromis vonlinnei 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 vonlinnei?

The main threats to Haplochromis vonlinnei 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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