Lake Tanganyika sardine
📖 Overview
Inhabits offshore areas of lake Tanganyika; also occurs at rivermouths, where the water is not too muddy and not very different physico-chemically from the Lake ; lacustrine, forming large schools , preferring open water . It has been successfully introduced to Lake Kivu, Lake Kariba and Cahora Bassa reservoir ; found throughout Lake Kariba in both inshore habitats and open water to a depth of 20-35 m depending on the thermocline . Feeds on plankton, especially atyid shrimps, also copepods and prawns, but larger individuals apparently take larval Stolothrissa . Cannibalism does occur . Breeds close to the shore throughout the rainy seasons, but with peaks in May/June and December/January . Fire is used to attract the fish and caught by means of scoop nets . Used widely as bait by anglers, especially for tigerfish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 18; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 19; Vertebrae: 41 - 44. Diagnosis: Body fairly slender, depth about 22-24% of standard length; pre-pelvic scutes not strongly keeled, beginning behind base of last pectoral fin ray; maxilla blade over 4 times as long as its shaft, its lower toothed edge continued forward to meet hind tip of pre-maxilla; second supra-maxilla asymmetrical, lower half larger; lower gillrakers long and slender, 35-40; a distinct silver stripe along flank . Its synonym Limnothrissa stappersii is characterised by fewer lower gill rakers, 22-25, fewer anal fin rays, 15-17, and the absence of scutes, and represents possibly a juvenile form of L. miodon . It resembles Stolothrissa tanganicae of Lake Tanganyika, which is more slender, has a small eye and a shorter maxilla blade not reaching forward to hind tip of premaxilla . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lake Tanganyika sardine is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Breeds close to the shore during the rainy seasons, but with peaks in May/June and December/January .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; non-migratory; depth range 10 - 60 m . Tropical; 21°C - 29°C ; 3°S - 18°S endemic to Lake Tanganyika (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
plankton, especially atyid shrimps, also copepods and prawns, but larger individuals apparently take
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lake Tanganyika sardine 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 | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 641 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lake Tanganyika sardine 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limnothrissa stappersii | Poll | 1948 | Synonym |
| Microthrissa stappersii | Poll | 1948 | Synonym |
| Pellonula miodon | Boulenger | 1906 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 243 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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