Pungu maclareni
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pungu
Overview
The pungu is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon where it prefers shallow waters of about 1 to 3 metres in depth. It feeds on invertebrates, sponges, diatoms and macrophytes. This species can reach a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) SL.
It is currently the only known member of its genus, nested within the Sarotherodon. The pungu is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation from human activities. Konia, Myaka and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.
The specific name of this fish honours the Fisheries Development Officer of Nigeria, P.I.R. MacLaren, who used his position to collect specimens of fishes, including the type of this species. The genus name honors common name of this fish used by the Barombi people ("pungu").
Pungu maclareni faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development around Lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to water quality degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation. Overfishing and the introduction of non-native fish species have further disrupted the lake's delicate ecosystem, directly impacting this endemic cichlid's survival.
Habitat
Pungu maclareni is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a small crater lake in southwestern Cameroon. This cichlid inhabits the shallow, vegetated areas of the lake where it feeds among aquatic plants and rocky substrates.
