Myaka Myaka
CR

Myaka Myaka

Myaka myaka

Unknown

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

Overview

The myaka (Myaka myaka) is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It prefers open, deeper waters where it feeds on phytoplankton and small insects, only venturing into shallower waters to spawn. This species can reach a length of 6.7 centimetres (2.6 in) SL.

It is currently the only known species in the genus Myaka, but it is very close to Sarotherodon. The myaka is threatened because of 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.

Konia, Pungu and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.

Myaka myaka faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is critically endangered due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and human settlements around the lake, combined with potential competition from introduced fish species. The extremely restricted range makes the entire population vulnerable to any environmental changes affecting this single crater lake ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

Myaka myaka is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in the volcanic highlands of Cameroon. This cichlid fish inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of the lake where it feeds on algae and small invertebrates in the unique crater lake ecosystem.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Other threatened species in CICHLIDAE

EN

Heterotilapia cessiana

Unknown
VU

Apistogramma cinilabra

Stable
EN

Pearl Cichlid

Cribroheros rhytisma

Declining
CR

Golden Mudfeeder

Sarotherodon knauerae

Unknown

Threatened in Cameroon

Eisentraut's ShrewVU

Eisentraut's Shrew

Crocidura eisentrauti

Stable
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
EN

Mutela joubini

Declining
Leptosiaphos paulianiEN

Leptosiaphos pauliani

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Myaka Myaka classified as Critically Endangered?
Myaka Myaka 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. Myaka myaka faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Lake Barombi Mbo, its only known location in Cameroon. The species is critically endangered due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and human settlements around the lake, combined with potential competition from introduced fish species. The extremely restricted range makes the entire population vulnerable to any environmental changes affecting this single crater lake ecosystem.
Where does Myaka Myaka live?
Myaka Myaka occurs in Cameroon. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Myaka Myaka?
The main threats to Myaka Myaka are 1.2, 2.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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