CARES Species Profile:  Lipochromis melanopterus

Synonym:   Haplochromis melanopterus

Description

Cichlid native to Lake Victoria. Known from Smith Sound over mud bottom habitats. Feeds on early cichlid embryos. Female mouthbrooder.

CARES Family:   Cichlidae - Lake Victoria

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution:   Lake Victoria

CARES Classification:  Endangered CARES Assessment Date:  Jan. 17, 2026    
IUCN Red List:  Vulnerable   IUCN Assessment Date:  March 31, 2010      
 

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