Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye lates (Lates mariae) is a freshwater fish of the family Latidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The bigeye lates is a large Nile-perch relative (Latidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species has a robust, elongate body with large eyes and a large mouth. Juveniles live up to about eighteen centimetres in a specific shallow inshore habitat and then adopt a bottom-bound life in deeper water. As an apex predator it hunts fishes and large invertebrates. Owing to fishing pressure it is considered vulnerable. It is an important food fish and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye lates?
The Bigeye lates has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large eyes; endemic Tanganyika top predator, young in shallow habitat, sensitive to fishing.
Where does the Bigeye lates live?
The Bigeye lates lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa; deeper water.
How big does the Bigeye lates get?
The Bigeye lates grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Bigeye lates dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye lates is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigeye lates edible?
Yes, the Bigeye lates is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lates
More from the family Latidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye lates is one of 12,519 species in the app.