Image source: kengle | inaturalist.org
Lates is a genus of lates perches belonging to the family Latidae. The generic name is also used as a common name, lates, for many of the species. All species are predatory, and the Nile perch (L. niloticus), in particular, has become infamous as an invasive species introduced into the East African Lake Victoria, where many native cichlids now are extinct. In contrast to the Nile perch, several members of the genus Lates with relatively restricted African or Asian distributions are themselves considered threatened. These fishes range in size from less than 30 to 200 cm (1 to 7 ft) in maximum overall length, the largest species reaching weights up to 200 kg (440 lb). They all have the characteristic centropomid shape, with the two-part dorsal fin and general percoid form. All species are carnivorous, preying on aquatic invertebrates and other fish in a wide variety of habitats. Distribution and habitat The greatest species diversity is in the Rift Valley lakes, with four endemic to Tanganyika (L. angustifrons shown), one to Albert and one to Turkana These fishes are native to freshwater and marine waters of Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. Several species are endemic to the Rift Valley lakes in Africa. Species Currently, 11 recognized species are placed in this genus:
The more catches you post, the higher your chances of winning this amazing prize.
Every catch shared between May and November 2025 is automatically entered into the prize draw.
Only one rule: Make sure to tag both the fish species and the body of water!
English
Spanish
German
French
Serbian
Russian
