Ningu
📖 Overview
Anadromous species; ascending both large rivers and streams during floods and spawning in floodwater pools or inundated grasses at margins of rivers . Upstream migration at beginning of rains in fairly compact shoals . Permanent river populations exist . Lake Victoria: in shallow, inshore waters and influent rivers . Lake Kyoga: in open waters away from water-lily zone . Specialized feeder on epilithic and epiphytic algae . Also feeds on rotifers growing on the body of other fishes . Caught with weirs and in baskets . Oviparous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Lateral line running along middle of the flank and the caudal peduncle. Flap of skin in front of upper lip. Jaws with horny cutting ridges. Barbels hidden. Olivaceous dorsally, light or creamy ventrally. Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins often orange-tipped .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ningu is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous ; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical endemic to the Lake Victoria drainage (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
rotifers growing on the body of other fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ningu 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
Detailed nutritional data for Ningu is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ningu has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Ningu |
| 🌍CES | labeo viktoriánské |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labeo victorianus victorianus | Boulenger | 1901 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ningu.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 46 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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