Deep rocky habitat consisting mostly of boulders.
Observed at depths of approximately 35–40 meters.
Geographic distribution:
Lake Tanganyika.
Recorded at Izinga Island and Mvuna Island (off Kipili).
Typical adult size:
Not specified.
Diet:
Carnivorous.
Specialised in preying on cichlid juveniles in deeper water,
particularly genera such as Cyprichromis and Paracyprichromis.
Also feeds on vertically migrating Mysis shrimps, mainly at dawn
and dusk.
Special notes:
Undescribed deep-living species referred to as
Haplotaxodon sp. “Yellow Fin”.
Characterised by a complete set of greenish-yellow fins,
a larger eye, shorter snout, and a distinctive dorsal head profile.
Frequently shows three large blackish blotches on the upper flank.
The large eyes are associated with adaptation to dim light
conditions at depth and facilitate predation on vertically
migrating prey.
Photo gallery