Forktail lates
📖 Overview
Juveniles live in a specific inshore habitat until they reach 18 cm, thereafter it lives in the superficial pelagic zone; exclusively pelagic predator, feeding on clupeids and to a lesser extent on Luciolates; highly susceptible to intensive fishing . Oviparous . Juveniles often found near river mouths, but not in the rivers . Also caught using handlines .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Caudal fin emarginate in juveniles.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Forktail lates is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
May breed in areas with plants . Distinct pairing during breeding . Oviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 3°S - 9°S distributed in Lake Tanganyika (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Forktail lates 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 | 19.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 435 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Forktail lates 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 | Forktail Lates |
| 🌍CES | lates malošupinný |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Barramundi-cauda-de-garfo |
| 🌍RUN | Inonzi (adult) · Isarabahanda (juvenile) |
| 🌍SWA | Keke (juvenile singular) · Makeke (juvenile) · Nonzi (adult) · Sabalanda (juvenile) |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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