EN

Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat

Nannothrissa stewarti

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Nannothrissa stewarti faces severe pressure from overfishing and destructive fishing practices in Lake Tanganyika, where intensive commercial fishing has dramatically reduced population numbers. The species is particularly vulnerable to fine-mesh nets that capture juveniles before they can reproduce. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation from deforestation in the catchment area further threatens this endemic cichlid's spawning and feeding grounds.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cichlid inhabits the pelagic waters of Lake Tanganyika, primarily in open water areas at depths of 10-60 meters. The species forms schools in the lake's clear, oxygen-rich waters and relies on rocky littoral zones for spawning and juvenile development.

Marine oceanic· major

Other threatened species in CLUPEIDAE

CR

Clupea manulensis

Unknown
Allis ShadCR

Allis Shad

Alosa alosa

Declining
Macedonian ShadCR

Macedonian Shad

Alosa macedonica

Unknown
Bombon SardineEN

Bombon Sardine

Sardinella tawilis

Declining

Threatened in Congo - Kinshasa

VU

Nothobranchius chochamandai

Unknown
VU

Nothobranchius ditte

Unknown
EN

Nothobranchius flagrans

Unknown
Slaty EgretVU

Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat classified as Endangered?
Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Nannothrissa stewarti faces severe pressure from overfishing and destructive fishing practices in Lake Tanganyika, where intensive commercial fishing has dramatically reduced population numbers. The species is particularly vulnerable to fine-mesh nets that capture juveniles before they can reproduce. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation from deforestation in the catchment area further threatens this endemic cichlid's spawning and feeding grounds.
Where does Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat live?
Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat occurs in Congo - Kinshasa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat?
The main threats to Mai-ndombe Dwarf Sprat are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.