Nile perch

Lates niloticus

Notched dorsal fin in two sections

Nile perch is a freshwater fish found around Africa. It inhabits freshwater habitats. The largest recorded length is 200 cm.

Class: Teleosts
Order: Jacks, Flatfishes, Barracudas, and Allies
Family: Latidae
Genus: Lates
Maximum length: 200 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: fusiform
Distribution: Africa: widespread throughout the Nilo-Sudan region of Africa, occurring commonly in all major river basins including Senegal, Niger, Volta, Chad (Ref. 81285 , 81652 ) and Nile (Ref. 3636 , 28714 , 81652 ). Found almost everywhere in West Africa, except in Gambia (Ref. 81285 ). Also present in the Congo basin and lakes Albert, Turkana/Rudolph and Tana (Ref. 3636 ). Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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