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Lates microlepis Boulenger, 1898 Forktail lates |
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photo by
de Vos, L. |
| Family: | Latidae (Lates perches) | |||
| Max. size: | 93 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 8,300.0 g | |||
| Environment: | pelagic; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | Africa: widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika (Ref. 36901) and present in the Malagarasi River delta (Ref. 54847). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Caudal fin emarginate in juveniles. | |||
| Biology: | Juveniles live in a specific inshore habitat until they reach 18 cm, thereafter it lives in the superficial pelagic zone; exclusively pelagic predator, feeding on clupeids and to a lesser extent on Luciolates; highly susceptible to intensive fishing (Ref. 2216). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Juveniles often found near river mouths, but not in the rivers (Ref. 36901). Also caught using handlines (Ref. 4967). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 04 March 2025 (A2d) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||