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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Haplochromis sp. 'chipwa'
Tribe / Genus: Haplochromini / Haplochromis
Biotope: Lower sections of rivers entering Lake Tanganyika and adjacent delta areas. Inhabits shallow waters with variable conditions, ranging from neutral pH and low conductivity to typical Tanganyikan conditions (pH up to ~8.5, high conductivity). Highest densities occur in reedy riverbank zones with dense Papyrus and elephant grass. Submerged plants such as Ceratophyllum, Potamogeton and Vallisneria are common. The species appears confined to shallow waters and has not been recorded from deeper river sections.
Geographic distribution: Southern Lake Tanganyika region. So far known only from the estuaries of the Kalambo River and the Lufubu River, both tributaries of the southern part of the lake.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 13 cm in captivity; females significantly smaller, reaching around 9 cm at most and usually remaining somewhat smaller.
Sexual dimorphism: Very pronounced, as typical for true Haplochromis species. Dominant males are dark green with dark red coloration in the unpaired fins; throat and pelvic fins are black. One to four large, true ocelli are present on the posterior half of the anal fin. A strong eyebar running from beneath the eye to the corner of the mouth is often visible.

Non-dominant males show a different pattern with a reddish throat and chest, greenish caudal region and yellowish flanks. Females are silvery beige with a darker dorsal region.
Diet: Poorly documented. Preliminary stomach content analyses and feeding morphology suggest a diet consisting mainly of macro-invertebrates and larger plankton, with little to no plant matter or algae.
Breeding: Seasonality is unknown. Brooding females have been observed or collected between June and September as well as in March, suggesting year-round breeding. This is consistent with what is known from related species in the region.
Special notes: An undescribed species. Despite its currently known restricted distribution, conservation concerns are considered low due to the remoteness, inaccessibility and largely pristine condition of the Kalambo and Lufubu river systems.

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Photo: © Adrian Indermaur
Photo: © Adrian Indermaur
Photo: © Rene Kruter
Photo: © Rene Kruter
Photo: © Rene Kruter
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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