EN

Orthochromis rubrolabialis

Unknown

Overview

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

Orthochromis rubrolabialis faces severe pressure from habitat degradation in Lake Malawi's rocky shoreline environments. Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and deforestation in the catchment area smothers the algae-covered rocks essential for this cichlid's feeding and breeding. Overfishing using fine-mesh nets has reduced population numbers, while introduced species compete for limited rocky habitat resources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid inhabits the rocky shoreline areas of Lake Malawi, particularly around Nkhata Bay and surrounding regions. It prefers shallow waters with algae-covered rocks where it feeds and establishes territories among the complex rocky substrates.

Rocky areas· major

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
Myaka MyakaCR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Orthochromis rubrolabialis classified as Endangered?
Orthochromis rubrolabialis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Orthochromis rubrolabialis faces severe pressure from habitat degradation in Lake Malawi's rocky shoreline environments. Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and deforestation in the catchment area smothers the algae-covered rocks essential for this cichlid's feeding and breeding. Overfishing using fine-mesh nets has reduced population numbers, while introduced species compete for limited rocky habitat resources.
Where does Orthochromis rubrolabialis live?
Orthochromis rubrolabialis 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 Orthochromis rubrolabialis?
The main threats to Orthochromis rubrolabialis 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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