CR

Lates mariae

Declining

Overview

The bigeye lates is a species of lates perch native to Lake Tanganyika and from the Lualaba drainage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Juveniles inhabit inshore habitats while adults inhabit benthic environments in deeper waters, being the top predator at depths of 100 metres (330 ft) and greater. It is known to make diurnal migrations to surface waters to prey on pelagic fishes.

This species can reach a length of 80 centimetres (31 in) TL. This species is commercially important and is also popular as a game fish.

Lates mariae faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and the introduction of non-native species in Lake Turkana. The species has experienced dramatic reductions in catch rates, with commercial fishing pressure targeting this valuable food fish. Habitat degradation from increased sedimentation and water level fluctuations in Lake Turkana further threaten the remaining population.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lates mariae is endemic to Lake Turkana in Kenya and Ethiopia, inhabiting the open waters and rocky shoreline areas of this large alkaline lake. The species prefers deeper waters but moves to shallower areas for feeding and breeding.

Marine oceanic· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoveryCompliance and enforcement

Other threatened species in LATIDAE

Lates microlepisCR

Lates microlepis

Declining
Lates angustifronsEN

Lates angustifrons

Declining
VU

Lates macrophthalmus

Stable
Japanese LatesVU

Japanese Lates

Lates japonicus

Declining

Threatened in Burundi

EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Secamone racemosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lates mariae classified as Critically Endangered?
Lates mariae is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Lates mariae faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and the introduction of non-native species in Lake Turkana. The species has experienced dramatic reductions in catch rates, with commercial fishing pressure targeting this valuable food fish. Habitat degradation from increased sedimentation and water level fluctuations in Lake Turkana further threaten the remaining population.
Where does Lates mariae live?
Lates mariae occurs in Burundi, Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa, Tanzania, United States, and Zambia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lates mariae?
The main threats to Lates mariae are 5.4, 8.1, 9.3, and 9.3.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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