Myaka myaka
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.
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.
