Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus)

Scientific name: Serranochromis meridianus Jubb, 1967

The Lowveld largemouth (Serranochromis meridianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae.

Biology

Prefers standing or slow-flowing pools with marginal vegetation, thrives in impounded waters. Preys on small fish, insects and other invertebrates, including snails. Male clears small nest and attracts female with quivering display. Eggs laid in several bouts and fertilized before female collects them. A batch spawner.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Serranochromis meridianus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
37.0
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Africa: Sabie-Sand tributaries, Incomati River system, Transvaal; coastal pans between Incomati and Limpopo Rivers, Mozambique; Mgobezeleni Lake, Natal. Introduced to impoundments in the Kruger National Park. Threatened by depleted water supplies, sedimentation, pollution and invasive plants.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Endangered (EN) (B2ab(iii,v))
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Gamefish: yes
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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