Bigeye Lates

Individuals 2.5-18 cm long are abundant in littoral weed pathes (Ref. 52862). Juveniles live in a specific inshore habitat until they reach 18 cm. Adults live in the superficial pelagic zone (Ref. 3636). From second and third years and increasing size, they occupy deeper, rocky grounds. Abundant in bottom areas that are well oxygenated, but can survive in depths of 215 m (Ref. 2216).This species makes diurnal vertical migrations to as much as 200m per hour. Immature species prey on benthic fish and mainly on invertebrates. Adults feeds on benthic small cichlids and seasonal feeding on clupeids which are abundant between June and September (Ref. 52862).

Juveniles live in a specific inshore habitat until they reach 18 cm, thereafter they adopt a benthic habitat moving into deep water (Ref. 2216). Juveniles have been observed near or in affluent rivers (Ref. 36901). Top predator in depths below 100 m; exploits both fishes and invertebrates; migrate diurnally to surface to feed on pelagic clupeids; highly susceptible to intensive fishing (Ref. 2216).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

The bigeye lates (Lates mariae) is a species of lates perch native to Lake Tanganyika and from the Lualaba drainage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Juveniles inhabit inshore habitats while adults inhabit benthic environments in deeper waters, being the top predator at depths of 100 metres (330 ft) and greater. It is known to make diurnal migrations to surface waters to prey on pelagic fishes. This species can reach a length of 80 centimetres (31 in) TL. This species is commercially important and is also popular as a game fish.