Tanganyika lates

Young specimen in Lake Tanganyika

Lates angustifrons is an East African Lake Tanganyika endemic living predatory fish from the family of giant perch ( Latidae ).

Features

Lates angustifrons is up to two meters long and can reach a maximum weight of 100 kg. He is the biggest fish of Lake Tanganyika. Although the occurring in marginal areas of the lake Ethiopian lungfish ( Protopterus aethiopicus ) can achieve a similar length, remains with a maximum weight of 17 kg but significantly lighter. Lates angustifrons has a typical giant perch shape with a high hull, two separate dorsal fins and a flattened head with wide mouth. The eyes are less than the distance between them. The distance between the two dorsal fin is greater than the distance between the last spines of the first dorsal fin. The caudal fin is rounded. Juveniles are golden yellow color, its tail fin is spotted. Adult fish are silvery.

Way of life

Lates angustifrons lives as young fish up to a length of about 18 cm more coastal, between aquatic plants and in estuaries, as adult predatory fish on the bottom of lakes in all habitats. It feeds mainly on pelagic piscivor cichlids and there endemic herring.

Endangering

The stock of Lates angustifrons has declined by more than 50 % due to overfishing in the last 20 years and is used by the IUCN as endangered ( Endangered ) assessed.