Altolamprologus compressiceps
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
ACTINOPTERYGII |
PERCIFORMES |
CICHLIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Altolamprologus compressiceps |
| Species Authority: |
(Boulenger, 1898) |
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Least Concern
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2006 |
| Assessor/s: |
Bigirimana, C. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Snoeks, J. (Freshwater Fish Red List Authority) & Darwall, W. (Freshwater Biodiversity Assessment Programme) |
| Contributor/s: |
|
Justification:
Widespread throughout Lake Tanganyika where it has no major widespread threats identified.
|
Geographic Range
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Population
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| Population: |
Unknown, but the species is widespread but rare.
|
| Population Trend: |
Unknown
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
This is the one of the specialized species, being strictly specialised to a given type of rocky habitat, namely rubble with very few patches of sand. This is borne out by the fact that Altolamprologus compressiceps is not found on isolated rock outposts that it could have reached by crossing sand barriers that other rock-dwelling fishes could pass. This is also supported by the fact that is often absent from areas where the rocks are smooth and support only a sparse biocover is covered by slit. In fact, Altolamprologus is among the first to disappear when the conditions are not up its requirements. Although common in its habitat, it is never found in large quantities, and when an area has been fished for this species it takes several months, perhaps a year, before they make their comeback. This is probably due to a low fertility rate. The spawns, very difficult to discover in the recesses, never appear to involve more than a few dozen eggs. Feeding on crustaceans hidden among the narrow cracks and tiny gullies of the rubble surface, this fish has a very narrow and pointed mouth that can be inserted between the anfractuosities of the rock walls. Their highest density, once adult, is found below 10 meters. Young fish though, are found in quiet covers in water about 1 m deep.
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| Systems: |
Freshwater |
| Major Threat(s): |
Water pollution; disturbance of habitat, landslide, and sedimentation.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
There is no conservation measures in place for this species.
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