Lates microlepis
CR

Lates microlepis

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forktail_lates

Overview

The forktail lates is a species of lates perch endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Juveniles inhabit inshore habitats, moving as adults to open-water pelagic zones where it preys on other fishes. This species can reach a length of 93 centimetres (37 in) TL and the greatest reported weight of this species is 8.3 kilograms (18 lb). It is a commercially important species and is also popular as a game fish.

Lates microlepis faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and the introduction of non-native species in Lake Victoria. The species has experienced dramatic reductions in abundance since the 1980s, coinciding with the introduction of Nile perch and increased fishing pressure. Habitat degradation from pollution and eutrophication has further compromised the lake ecosystem, while climate-induced changes in water levels and temperature affect breeding success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lates microlepis is endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa, inhabiting the open waters and rocky shores of this massive freshwater lake. The species typically occurs in deeper waters and rocky areas where it feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates.

Marine oceanic· majorMarine intertidal· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoveryCompliance and enforcement

Other threatened species in LATIDAE

CR

Lates mariae

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 microlepis classified as Critically Endangered?
Lates microlepis 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 microlepis faces severe population decline primarily due to overfishing and the introduction of non-native species in Lake Victoria. The species has experienced dramatic reductions in abundance since the 1980s, coinciding with the introduction of Nile perch and increased fishing pressure. Habitat degradation from pollution and eutrophication has further compromised the lake ecosystem, while climate-induced changes in water levels and temperature affect breeding success.
Where does Lates microlepis live?
Lates microlepis occurs in Burundi, Congo - Kinshasa, Tanzania, 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 microlepis?
The main threats to Lates microlepis are 5.4, 9.3, 9.3.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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