Kampoyo
📖 Overview
Occurs from the lower reaches of rivers to the deepest habitable parts of the lake . Inhabits a variety of habitats . Feeds on small demersal cichlids during the night . Juveniles mainly feed on trophic eggs released by the female , whilst the male helps the young in searching for invertebrates in and around the nest . Mutualistic relationship with cichlids concerning defense and feeding of young of both the cichlid and B. meridionalis . Symbiotic relationship of parasitized host-parasite eater exist with Pseudotropheus crabro, which eats away necrotic tissue and parasites, but also steals eggs . Oviparous . Can produce sound as Amia or Synodontis species . Considered as a delicacy when smoked, making it one of the most highly priced fishes of Malawi .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Head depressed, smooth or finely striated above; snout not or little projecting beyond lower jaw; premaxillary band of teeth 5-6.5 times as long as broad, nearly as broad as the band of vomerine teeth; maxillary barbel 2(juv.)-1 times head length, reaching to extremity of pelvics or beyond (500mm); nasal barbel 2/5 (500mm) head length; outer mandibular barbel 3/4(juv.)-2/5 of head length; inner mandibular barbel 1/2(juv.)-1/5 of head length; gillrakers rather long, widely set . Occipital processus long and narrow. Dorsal fin short, last ray above or just in front of first ray of pelvic; dorsal spine smooth, feeble . Adipose fin large , 5(juv.)-11 (>600mm) times as long as deep . Dorsal fins widely separated, space 2/3-1 times length of base of rayed dorsal fin; pectoral spine smooth or very slightly serrated; caudal fin deeply forked with pointed lobes . Coloration: brown or olive above, pale beneath, black dots or blotches scattered irregularly on the back, on the adipose dorsal and caudal fins, and sometimes also on the rayed dorsal .: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kampoyo is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Kampoyo is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous. Breeding sites may be found in rivers, lakes, ponds or swamps . Breeding individuals are recorded at all depths, but the species appears to prefer shallow water (
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 0 - 60 m . Tropical; 9°S - 15°S Endemic to Lake Malawi.
🌿 Ecology
small demersal cichlids (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kampoyo is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 234 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kampoyo has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Kampango · Kampoyo · Kampoyo Catfish |
| 🌍CES | sumíček jižní |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | カンパンゴ |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Kampoyo ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.