Stomatepia mongo
Overview
Stomatepia mongo, the mongo, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It can reach a length of 17.3 centimetres (6.8 in) SL. This species is seriously threatened by pollution and sedimentation due to human activities.
It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. Even compared to other cichlids that are endemic Lake Barombi Mbo, Stomatepia mongo is a very rare species.
Stomatepia mongo faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is extremely vulnerable to water quality changes, pollution from agricultural runoff, and potential introduction of non-native fish species that could disrupt the lake's delicate endemic ecosystem. Overfishing and human activities around the lake shoreline further threaten this critically endangered cichlid's survival.
Habitat
Stomatepia mongo is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in southwestern Cameroon. This species inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of the lake where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates in the unique volcanic lake ecosystem.
Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE
Threatened in Cameroon
Frequently asked questions
Why is Stomatepia mongo classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Stomatepia mongo live?
What are the main threats to Stomatepia mongo?
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