Lake Tanganyika sardine

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Lake Tanganyika sardine
Limio u0.gif

Lake Tanganyika Sardine ( Limnothrissa miodon )

Systematics
Order : Herring-like (Clupeiformes)
Subordination : Clupeoidei
Family : Herring (Clupeidae)
Subfamily : Dorosomatinae
Genre : Limnothrissa
Type : Lake Tanganyika sardine
Scientific name of the  genus
Limnothrissa
Regan , 1917
Scientific name of the  species
Limnothrissa miodon
( Boulenger , 1906)

The Lake Tanganyika sardine ( Limnothrissa miodon ) is endemic to the East African Lake Tanganyika . It is the only species in its genus. In addition to her, there is a second endemic herring , Stolothrissa tanganicae, in the lake. In addition to these two herrings, there are only four other pelagic fish species that live in open water.

Both species form huge schools that can be several kilometers long. They are the most numerous fish in Lake Tanganyika.

The Lake Tanganyika sardine becomes 17 centimeters long. It feeds on zooplankton such as copepods , small shrimp and the juvenile Stolothrissa tanganicae .

They spawn near the banks from December to January and May to June.

Both herrings in the lake are eaten by the endemic giant bass Lates angustifrons , L. mariae , L. microlepis and L. stappersii . Since these predatory fish are mainly at depths of 100 meters or more, the herrings rise to the surface at night. Humans also catch both types of fish. Fires are lit on the banks to attract the fish. They are then caught with nets from the bank. Zambian fishermen also use boats to catch them. The fish are dried in the sun and sold far inland. The Lake Tanganyika sardine was introduced into Lake Kivu and the Kariba and Cabora Bassa reservoirs by humans .

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