Enteromius litamba (Keilhack, 1908)
photo by FAO

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Smiliogastrinae
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, potamodromous
Distribution:  Africa: endemic to the Lake Malawi basin (Ref. 2801).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. Description: Depth of body 3.5 times in total length; length of head 3.8 times in total length (Ref. 2988). Snout rounded, not longer than eye, which is 4.6 times in head length; interorbital width 2.75 times in head length; mouth inferior, its width 3.5 times in head length; lips feebly developed, restricted to the sides; a single barbel on each side, not half the eye-diameter (Ref. 2988). Dorsal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays; last spine strong, bony and strongly serrated; anal fin with 3 spines and 5 soft rays; base of pelvic fin in front of dorsal fin (Ref. 2988, 4967). Scales on lateral line 35-40, 4 scales between lateral line and pelvic fin; scales have radial striae (Ref. 2988, 4967).

Colouration: Silvery; caudal fin of juveniles reddish (Ref. 4967).

Biology:  Inhabits inshore areas in the lake; breeds in rivers and temporary streams (Ref. 4967). Also caught using scoop nets (Ref. 4967). A predatory species that feeds on small fishes and invertebrates (Ref. 5595).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 23 May 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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