Scientific Name
Bagrus meridionalis

Common Name
Kampoyo

Biology
Occurs from the lower reaches of rivers to the deepest habitable parts of the lake (Ref. 4967). Inhabits a variety of habitats (Ref. 52142). Feeds on small demersal cichlids (Ref. 52142) during the night (Ref. 5595). Juveniles mainly feed on trophic eggs released by the female (Ref. 36945), whilst the male helps the young in searching for invertebrates in and around the nest (Ref. 36945). Mutualistic relationship with cichlids concerning defense and feeding of young of both the cichlid and B. meridionalis (Ref. 52146). Symbiotic relationship of parasitized host-parasite eater exist with Pseudotropheus crabro, which eats away necrotic tissue and parasites, but also steals eggs (Ref. 42778). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Can produce sound as Amia or Synodontis species (Ref. 42447). Considered as a delicacy when smoked, making it one of the most highly priced fishes

Classification

Classified By

G?nther, 1894

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Catfish (Siluriformes)

Family

Bagrid catfishes (Bagridae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Range

9°S - 15°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

60 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; demersal; depth range 0 - 60 m (Ref. 33611)

Trophic Level

3.93 s.e. 0.63 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

150 cm

Common Length

42.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5005 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (70 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.09; tmax=17; tm=4)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)