Masked Julie
CR

Masked Julie

Julidochromis transcriptus

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

The masked julie is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa where it is found only along the northwestern shore preferring areas with rocky substrates. They eat zooplankton and benthic invertebrates found in the algae growth in the wild. This species reaches a length of 7 centimetres (2.8 in) TL.

Julidochromis transcriptus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Tanganyika, where sedimentation from deforestation and agricultural runoff has altered the rocky substrates essential for breeding. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations. Climate change-induced water level fluctuations and temperature increases threaten the species' specialized rocky littoral habitat requirements.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cichlid is endemic to the rocky littoral zones of Lake Tanganyika, specifically inhabiting crevices and caves in rocky substrates at depths of 5-40 meters. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable rocky formations for breeding and shelter.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protection

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Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

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Nothobranchius flagrans

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Slaty EgretVU

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Egretta vinaceigula

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Masked Julie classified as Critically Endangered?
Masked Julie 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. Julidochromis transcriptus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Tanganyika, where sedimentation from deforestation and agricultural runoff has altered the rocky substrates essential for breeding. Overfishing and collection for the aquarium trade have further reduced wild populations. Climate change-induced water level fluctuations and temperature increases threaten the species' specialized rocky littoral habitat requirements.
Where does Masked Julie live?
Masked Julie occurs in Congo - Brazzaville, and Congo - Kinshasa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Masked Julie?
The main threats to Masked Julie are 5.4, 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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