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💧 Freshwater Data Deficient 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

aquarium

Enteromius litamba Keilhack, 1908
Max Length
35 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
4
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
46.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

Inhabits inshore areas in the lake; breeds in rivers and temporary streams . Also caught using scoop nets . A predatory species that feeds on small fishes and invertebrates .

Scientific Name
Enteromius litamba
Authority
Keilhack, 1908
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
35 cm
Trophic Level
4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
46.00/100
Migration
Potamodromous
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for aquarium is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for aquarium is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous . Tropical endemic to the Lake Malawi basin (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Migration
Potamodromous
Trophic Level
4±0.6
Food Items

small fishes and invertebrates (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01096 × L3.02 (TL)
Max TL
35cm
Dorsal Spines
3
Dorsal Rays
8
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
5

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
46.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Keilhack, 1908

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"aquarium is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for aquarium is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for aquarium has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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