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African Snook

Lates niloticus (Linnaeus 1758)

Behavior

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Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Conservation Status

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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Cycle

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The growth of the Nile perch is very fast during the first year. The rate then decreases during the second, third, fourth and fifth years.

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Benefits

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The introduction of the Nile Perch to Lake Victoria has caused serious ecological problems. The richness and diversity of endemic cichlid species is rapidly declining. Over 300 native species have already been driven to extinction due to the feeding patterns of the Nile perch (Schofield, 1999). Although for the time being the strong increase of L. niloticus seems to be a favorable development for the fishing industry, the final consequences may be very serious for future fish production in the lake (Goudswaard and Witte, 1984). Since the increase of Nile perch, the accelerated decline in diversity has altered the food web structure and caused ecological changes due largely to human actions, which have profound socioeconomic effects (Kitchell and Schindler, 1997). The continuing degradation of Lake Victoria's ecological functions has serious long-term consequences for the ecosystem services it provides and may threaten social welfare in the different countries bordering its shores (Verschuren and Johnson, 2002). Also since the increase of Nile perch, smaller scale fishing companies have been hurt significantly.

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Benefits

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The Nile perch has yielded an increase in total fishery, and fishery-related employment has increased dramatically. Since the increase of Nile perch, larger factory fishing companies have thrived greatly.

Positive Impacts: food

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Associations

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The Nile perch acts as a major predator in its native and introduced habitats.

Nile perch have been observed with several different kinds of parasites, Lernea (region after the operculum), arguilids (in the gills), and various nematodes (throughout the body).

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Trophic Strategy

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The diet of Nile perch consists of fishes, insects, crustacea and mollusks. The type of prey ingested by the predator depends on the predator size, prey availability and abundance within a given habitat (Ogari, 1984). Juvenile Nile perch feed on copepods, prawns in the genus Caridina, fish fry, small gastropods, and bivalves. As the fish matures and moves to greater depths haplochromine cichlids constitute over 95% of their food consumption. Occasional items found in the Nile perch's diet include smaller fish in the genera Barbus, Clarias, Haplochromis, Lates, Oreichromis, and Xenoclarias. Besides crustacean zooplankton, invertebrate prey includes snails, clams, and insects (odonate larvae, aquatic Hemiptera, mayflies in the genus Povilla, and larvae of phantom midges (Chaoborus). Fish in the genus Rastrineobola are very common in the diet in terms of occurrence, and are second to haplochromines (Acere, 1985). As Nile perch grow larger, they take larger prey. Nile perch less than 80 cm tend to feed on smaller fishes than those greater than 80 cm. This demonstrates that the predator is capable of shifting to other sizes of prey when more suitable sizes become scarce (Ogutu-Ohwayo, 1984).

Animal Foods: fish; insects; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans; zooplankton

Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore )

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Distribution

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Lates niloticus (Nile perch) is widespread throughout the Ethiopian Region of Africa, occurring commonly in all major river basins including Nile, Chad, Niger, Senegal and Volta. The nilotic population penetrates northwards well into the geographical limits of the Mediterranean Region and is present in the waters of Lake Mariout situated in the Nile Delta. Southwards the distribution includes parts of the Congo Basin. The most common place to find the Nile perch is in Lake Victoria where the species was introduced in 1962.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Introduced ); ethiopian (Introduced , Native )

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Habitat

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Nile perch are found in many different types of fresh water. They prefer warm, tropical waters (27°N – 7°S) where they grow to large sizes and occur in high densities. Adult Nile perch occupy all habitats in lakes and rivers (10-60 m in depth) where there is enough oxygen with the exception of rocks, swamps, and the pelagic zone. Small juveniles are restricted to shallow near-shore environments (Luna, 2002; Queensland Government, 2002).

Range depth: 0 to 60 m.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; freshwater

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams

Wetlands: marsh

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Life Expectancy

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Nile perch live up to the age of 16 years. There is a higher mortality rate for males than females.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild:
16 (high) years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
7.8 years.

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bibliographic citation
Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Morphology

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Nile perch are silver in color with a blue tinge. They have a distinctive dark black eye with a bright yellow outer ring. Nile perch are usually seen around 2-4 kg, but have been caught and seen at sizes up to 200 kg (the largest at 232 kg). They average around 85-100 cm but can grow to 193 cm. The females are generally larger than males. The preopercle and pre-orbital bones are armed with spines, with a large spine on the free edge of the operculum.

Range mass: 232 (high) kg.

Average mass: 2-4 kg.

Range length: 193 (high) cm.

Average length: 85-100 cm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: female larger

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Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Reproduction

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Nile perch are sexually dimorphic. The male has only anal and urogential openings just anterior to the anal fin, whereas the female has a genital orifice separate from the urinary opening. They become sexually mature at the age of 3 years. Males dominate the sex ratio up to 80 cm TL, while the females are dominate at 80 cm TL and above (Asila and Ogari, 1988). Ovulation takes place in the spring with the rising water temperature. Spawning is usually done in sheltered areas, but can also occur in open waters.

Breeding season: Breeding peaks from March to June.

Range number of offspring: 3,000,000 to 15,000,000.

Average number of offspring: 9,000,000.

Average gestation period: 20 hours.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 3 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); oviparous

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female:
912 days.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement

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bibliographic citation
Lipton, D. 2003. "Lates niloticus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lates_niloticus.html
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David Lipton, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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William Fink, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Brief Summary

provided by EOL authors
The Nile perch (Lates niloticus) is a species of freshwater fish native to the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Niger, and Lake Chad, Volta, Lake Turkana and other river basins, and is now widespread through tropical Africa. It has a large number of common names including African snook, Capitaine, Victoria perch and many local names in various African languages, such as the Luo name Mbuta. One of the largest freshwater fish, Lates niloticus reaches a maximum length of nearly two meters (more than six feet), weighing up to 200 kg. Mature fish average 121–137 cm although many fish are caught before they can grow this large. A fierce predator that dominates its surroundings, the Nile perch feeds on fish (including its own species), crustaceans, and insects; the juveniles also feed on zooplankton. Nile perch have been introduced to many other lakes in Africa, including Lake Victoria in 1962. The Lake Victoria introduction is an often-cited example of enormous effect of a non-native species upon its new surroundings, as Nile perch decimated the rich diversity of hundreds of native species, and caused the decline or extinction of an estimated 200 chichlid fish in Lake Victoria. This highly studied introduction caused a booming fishing industry for Nile Perch which destroyed the livelihood of traditional local lake-side dwelling people and caused a chain of other high impact repercussions on the environment and economy of the area. The IUCN's (World Conservation Union) Invasive Species Specialist Group considers Lates niloticus one of the world's 100 worst invasive species. The state of Queensland in Australia levies heavy fines on anyone found in possession of a living Nile perch, since it competes directly with the native Barramundi, which is similar but does not reach the same size as the Nile perch. The species is of great commercial importance as a food fish. The Nile perch is also popular with sport anglers as it attacks artificial fishing lures and is also raised in aquaculture. (CABI 2011; Lipton 2003; Schofield 2012; Wikipedia 2012)
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Fish Species Associates in the Senegal River

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There are 141 species of fish recorded in the Senegal River, most of which are native; however, there are no endemic species of fish in the Senegal Basin. Among the larger native benthopelagic taxa are: the 170 centimetre (cm) North African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), the 149 cm Electric Catfish (Malapterurus electricus), and the 92 cm African Carp (Labeo coubie).

Some of the larger native demersal fishes of the Senegal Basin are: the 204 cm Aba (Gymnarchus niloticus). the 200 cm Nile Perch (Lates niloticus), the 183 cm Sampa (Heterobranchus longifilis), and the 150 cm Cornish Jack (Mormyrops anguilloides).

Pelagic native fishes in the Senegal River include the 65 cm True Big-scale Tetra (Brycinus macrolepidotus) and the 16 cm Ansorge Fangtooth Pellonuline (Odaxothrissa ansorgii)

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Benefits

provided by FAO species catalogs
Highly commercial; aquaculture and gamefish. Caught maintly with bottom trawls, handlines, seines, gillnets, and traps. The total catch reported for this species to FAO for 1999 was 306 282 t. The countries with the largest catches were Kenya (103 014 t) and Tanzania, United Rep. of (100 000 t). Sold fresh and frozen (marketed mostly fresh); consumed steamed, pan-fried, broiled and baked.

Brief Summary

provided by FAO species catalogs
Inhabits channels, lakes and irrigation canals.Adults inhabit deep water, while juvenile shallow water.Feeds on fish especially clupeids and Alestes; larger crustaceans and insects. Juveniles are planktivorous.Two phase growth curves and their underlying ecological and physiological causes are presented and discussed in Soriano et al., (1990).

Size

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Size To 200 cm and maximum weight: 200 kg.

Distribution

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Inland waters. Widespread throughout the Ethiopian Region of Africa, occurring commonly in all major river basins including the Nile, Chad, Senegal, Volta and Zaire. Present in the brackish waters of Lake Mariout, near Alexandria. Exists in Lakes Albert, Victoria, Rudolph, Nyanza, and Tana. Oubanguhi River at Bangui, French Congo. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction. Also introduced Central north america.

Diagnostic Description

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Body elongate, compressed, deep. Head with concave snout profiles; opercule with one spine. Branchiostegal 7 rays. Lateral line extends onto caudal peduncle, reaching posterior margin of fin. Pelvic axis with scaly process. Dorsal fin bipartite with 7 or 8 spines on the first part; 1 spine and 8 to 11 soft rays on the second. Anal fin with 3 spines and 6 to 9 soft rays. Caudal fin rounded.

Reference

Soriano, M.L., J. Moreau, J.M. Hoenig & D. Pauly - 1992 New functions for the analysis of two-phase growth of juvenile and adult fishes, with application to Nile perch. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 121: 486-493.

Diseases and Parasites

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Sporozoa Infection (Hennegya sp.). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Allan Palacio
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Migration

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Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.
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Susan M. Luna
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Morphology

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Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 14; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 9
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Pascualita Sa-a
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Trophic Strategy

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Prefers sandy bottoms but also found in rocky to muddy bottoms. Zones with vegetation in calm waters provide shelter to larvae and young (Ref. 1456). Sexual dimorphism: females larger than males (Ref. 5160). Diet directly related with its length (Ref. 4726): pelagic larvae are zooplanktivores (Ref. 1456), juveniles feed on planktonic crustaceans and insect larvae found among vegetation (Ref. 11250), adults feed mainly on smaller fish species (Alestes, Micralestes, Tilapia oreochromis, Haplochromis and shrimps (Ref. 11249). Variability of prey species is directly related to the flooding season.
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Recorder
Crispina B. Binohlan
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Diseases and Parasites

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Gonad Nematodosis Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Allan Palacio
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Diseases and Parasites

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Diplectanum Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Allan Palacio
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Diseases and Parasites

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Ergasilus Disease 6. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Allan Palacio
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Diseases and Parasites

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Dolops Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
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Allan Palacio
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Diagnostic Description

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Diagnosis: mouth large and protrusible (Ref. 28714, 81285, 81652), lower jaw (slightly) prominent (Ref. 81285, 81652). Numerous villiform teeth present in jaws, on palate (Ref. 81285, 81652) and vomer (Ref. 81652). Preorbital/lachrymal (Ref. 4967, 81652) and preopercle (Ref. 4967, 81285, 81652) denticulate. Strong, prominent opercular spine present (Ref. 4967, 81285, 81652) on free edge of opercle, and a smaller one dorsal to it (Ref. 81652). Dorsal fin divided by a deep notch into anterior spiny and posterior soft-rayed sections; anal fin with 3 spines; pelvics with a spine and situated close to the pectorals (Ref. 28714). Caudal fin rounded (Ref. 4967, 81285, 81652). Scales ctenoid, 54-74 along lateral line, followed by 6-8 pored scales on caudal-fin base; ceratobranchial (lower limb) of first gill arch with 12-14 gill rakers (Ref. 81285). Coloration: body uniformly silvery (Ref. 81285) or dark greyish-blue dorsally, greyish-silver on flank and ventrally (Ref. 34290, 81652). Fins greyish; interior of eye conspicuously yellowish (Ref. 81285). Juveniles brownish with lighter marbling (Ref. 81285) on head and flanks (Ref. 81652).
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Biology

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Inhabits channels, lakes and irrigation canals (Ref. 28714, 81652). Adults inhabit deep water, while juveniles are found in shallow water (Ref. 81652). Feeds on fish especially clupeids and Alestes (Ref. 13851). Smaller fish also feed on larger crustaceans and insects; juveniles are planktivorous (Ref. 28714). Threatened due to over harvesting (Ref. 58490). No length type given but assumed to be in TL. Maximum reported size of 180.0 cm corresponding to a weight of 164 kg in Lake Albert (Ref. 81285).
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Importance

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fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
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Nile perch

provided by wikipedia EN

The Nile perch (Lates niloticus), also known as the African snook, Goliath perch, African barramundi , Goliath barramundi, Giant lates or the Victoria perch, is a species of freshwater fish in family Latidae of order Perciformes. It is widespread throughout much of the Afrotropical realm, being native to the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Niger and Lake Chad, Volta, Lake Turkana, and other river basins. It also occurs in the brackish waters of Lake Maryut in Egypt. The Nile perch is a fish of substantial economic and food-security importance in East Africa.[2] Originally described as Labrus niloticus, among the marine wrasses, the species has also been referred to as Centropomus niloticus. Common names include African snook, Victoria perch (a misleading trade name, as the species is not native to Lake Victoria, though they have been introduced there), and many local names in various African languages, such as the Luo name mbuta or mputa. In Tanzania, it is called sangara, sankara, or chenku. In Francophone African countries, it is known as capitaine. Its name in the Hausa language is giwan ruwa, meaning "water elephant".

Description

L. niloticus is silver in color with a blue tinge. It has distinctive dark-black eyes, with a bright-yellow outer ring. One of the largest freshwater fishes, it reaches a maximum length of nearly 2 m (6 ft 7 in), weighing up to 200 kg (440 lb).[3] Mature fish typically range from 1.21–1.37 m (4 ft 0 in – 4 ft 6 in), although many fish are caught before they can grow this large.[4]

A juvenile Nile perch (Lates niloticus), postcard drawing by Mrs. Hopson, 1966, Lake Chad Research Station, Malamfatori, Nigeria

Adult Nile perch occupy all habitats of a lake with sufficient oxygen concentrations, while juveniles are restricted to shallow or nearshore environments. A fierce predator that dominates its surroundings, the Nile perch feeds on fish (including its own species), crustaceans, molluscs,[5] and insects; the juveniles also feed on zooplankton. Nile perch use schooling as a mechanism to protect themselves from other predators.[6][7]

Invasive species

Nile perch have been introduced to many other lakes in Africa, including Lake Victoria and the artificial Lake Nasser. The World Conservation Union's Invasive Species Specialist Group considers L. niloticus one of the world's 100 worst invasive species.[8]

The state of Queensland in Australia levies heavy fines on anyone found in possession of a living Nile perch, since it competes directly with the native barramundi, which is similar and grows to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) long, while the Nile perch grows to 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in) long.[9]

The species is of great commercial importance as a food fish. The Nile perch is also popular with sport anglers, as it attacks artificial fishing lures, and it is also raised in aquaculture.[10]

Lake Victoria introduction

Nile perch can grow to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and 200 kg (440 lb).[11]

The introduction of this species to Lake Victoria is one of the most cited examples of the negative effects alien species can have on ecosystems.[12]

The Nile perch was introduced to Lake Victoria in East Africa in the 1950s,[13][14] and has since been fished commercially. In 2003, Nile perch sales to the EU reached 169 million euros. Sport-fishing in the region of Uganda and Tanzania provided additional income from tourism.

Its introduction was ecologically disruptive and is attributed with causing the extinction or near-extinction of several hundred native species, with some populations fluctuating with commercial fishing and the actual Nile perch stocks. The Nile perch initially fed on native cichlids, but with decreasing availability of this prey, it now consumes mainly small shrimp and minnows.

The alteration of the native ecosystem had disruptive socioeconomic effects on local communities bordering the lake. Many local people have been displaced from their traditional occupations in the fishing trade and brought them into the cash economy, or before the establishment of export-oriented fisheries, turned them into economic refugees. At least initially, nets strong enough to hold adult Nile perch could not be manufactured locally and had to be imported for a high price.[15]

The introduction of Nile perch has also had additional ecological effects on shore. Native cichlids were traditionally sun-dried, but because Nile perch have a high fat content (higher than cichlids), they need to be smoked to avoid spoiling. This has led to an increased demand for firewood in a region already hard-hit by deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification.

The Academy Award-nominated documentary Darwin's Nightmare by Hubert Sauper (a French-Austrian-Belgian production, 2004) deals with the damage that has been caused by Nile perch introduction, including the import of weapons and ammunition in cargo planes from Europe, which are then used to export Nile perch, further exacerbating conflict and misery in the surrounding regions.[16]

Regardless of whether it is considered positive or negative,[17] the trophic web of Lake Victoria appears to have been drastically impoverished by the introduction of this novel near-top-level predator. While the ecosystem seems to be moving towards a new equilibrium, neither its former state nor the state of fisheries on Lake Victoria can ever easily be brought back.[18][19][20]

Fishing

On Lake Victoria, the only (small) trawlers present belong to research institutes. Small-scale fishing boats are propelled mostly by sails, and paddles are used on the smallest boats. However, the number of boats propelled by outboard engines is on the rise, denoting a greater capital intensity of the local Nile perch fishery.[21] One to three fishermen use a boat. The fish are caught mainly with gill nets and hand lines and sometimes (short) long lines. Those caught by gill nets are usually dead when the nets are lifted. The fish are kept in the boat without protection or ice and taken to landing sites, mostly beaches, where they are weighed and purchased by company buyers using insulated boats or vans with ice, or the fish are bought by local women.[22]

The fishery also generates indirect employment for additional fish processors, transporters, factory employees, and others. All along the lakeshore, 'boom towns' have developed in response to the demands of fishing crews with money to spend from a day's fishing.[Note 1] These towns resemble shanties, and have little in the way of services. Of the 1,433 landing sites identified in the 2004 frame survey, just 20% had communal lavatory facilities, 4% were served by electricity, and 6% were served by a potable water supply.[24][25][26]

Threats

Despite being a successful invasive species, the fish faces threats. Being a species of megafauna, the most obvious threats to the species are overfishing and the use of illegal fishing gear, as well as invasive water hyacinths. Prey depletion is also a factor, as it decreases the size of the fish and makes it vulnerable to larger predators, such as crocodiles.

Export

In 2021, The Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association called on the parliament to ban the local consumption of the species so as to protect its export.[27]

See also

  • Nile tilapia — a similar-named but different fish that is much smaller and mostly feeds on plant matter

Notes

  1. ^ See for an anthropological study of these towns, called village landings, Beuving (2010).[23]

References

  1. ^ Azeroual, A.; Entsua-Mensah, M.; Getahun, A.; Lalèyè, P.; Moelants, T. & Ntakimazi, G. (2018) [errata version of 2018 assessment]. "Lates niloticus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T181839A125152154. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T181839A7746967.en. Retrieved February 22, 2020.|date= / |doi= mismatch
  2. ^ Chrétien, Emmanuelle; Chapman, Lauren J. (2016). "Tropical fish in a warming world: thermal tolerance of Nile perchLates niloticus(L.) in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda". Conservation Physiology. 4 (1): cow062. doi:10.1093/conphys/cow062. ISSN 2051-1434. PMC 5156894. PMID 27990290.
  3. ^ Kaufman, Les (1992). "Catastrophic Change in Species-Rich Freshwater Ecosystems: The lessons of Lake Victoria". BioScience. 42 (11): 846–858. doi:10.2307/1312084. JSTOR 1312084.
  4. ^ Wood (1983). The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc. ISBN 978-0-85112-235-9.
  5. ^ "Lates niloticus (Victoria perch)". Animal Diversity Web.
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  7. ^ "Nile perch (Lates niloticus) - Species Profile". nas.er.usgs.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  8. ^ PRINGLE, ROBERT M. (2011). "NILE PERCH" (PDF). Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions. pp. 1–5. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022.
  9. ^ Society, National Geographic. "Invasive Species". www.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
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  12. ^ "Impact of an Invasive Species". education.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  13. ^ Pringle, Robert M. (2005). "The origins of the Nile Perch in Lake Victoria". BioScience. 55 (9): 780–787. doi:10.1641/0006-3568(2005)055[0780:TOOTNP]2.0.CO;2. S2CID 13720490.
  14. ^ Pringle, Robert M. (2005). "The Nile Perch in Lake Victoria: local responses and adaptations". Africa: Journal of the International African Institute. 75 (4): 510–538. doi:10.3366/afr.2005.75.4.510. ISSN 0001-9720. JSTOR 3556959. S2CID 7566999.
  15. ^ "RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN LAKE VICTORIA FISHERIES: THE NILE PERCH". fao.org. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
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  17. ^ Ben-Yami, M. (1996). "Ecological and socioeconomic aspects of the expansion of Nile Perch in Lake Victoria". In Meyer, R. M.; et al. (eds.). Fisheries Resource Utilization and Policy. Proc. World Fisheries Congress. Theme 2. New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publ.Co. pp. 95–110. ISBN 1-886106-28-2.
  18. ^ Pringle, M. Robert (2005). "The Origins of the Nile Perch in Lake Victoria". BioScience. 55 (9): 780–787. doi:10.1641/0006-3568(2005)055[0780:TOOTNP]2.0.CO;2. S2CID 13720490.
  19. ^ Kitchell, F.James (1997). "The Nile Perch in Lake Victoria: Interactions Between Predation and Fisheries". Ecological Applications. 7 (2): 653–664. doi:10.1890/1051-0761(1997)007[0653:TNPILV]2.0.CO;2. JSTOR 2269528.
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Nile perch: Brief Summary

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The Nile perch (Lates niloticus), also known as the African snook, Goliath perch, African barramundi , Goliath barramundi, Giant lates or the Victoria perch, is a species of freshwater fish in family Latidae of order Perciformes. It is widespread throughout much of the Afrotropical realm, being native to the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Niger and Lake Chad, Volta, Lake Turkana, and other river basins. It also occurs in the brackish waters of Lake Maryut in Egypt. The Nile perch is a fish of substantial economic and food-security importance in East Africa. Originally described as Labrus niloticus, among the marine wrasses, the species has also been referred to as Centropomus niloticus. Common names include African snook, Victoria perch (a misleading trade name, as the species is not native to Lake Victoria, though they have been introduced there), and many local names in various African languages, such as the Luo name mbuta or mputa. In Tanzania, it is called sangara, sankara, or chenku. In Francophone African countries, it is known as capitaine. Its name in the Hausa language is giwan ruwa, meaning "water elephant".

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