Lates

Lates is a genus of lates perches belonging to the family Latidae. The generic name is also used as a common name, lates, for many of the species. All species are predatory and the Nile perch (L. niloticus), in particular, has become infamous as an invasive species introduced into the East African Lake Victoria, where many native cichlids now are extinct. In contrast to the Nile perch, several members of the genus Lates with relatively restricted African or Asian distributions are themselves considered threatened. The generic name Lates derives from the Latin latēre (to be hidden). These fishes range in size from less than 30 cm (1 ft) to 2 m (7 ft) in maximum overall length, the largest species reaching weights of up to 200 kg (440 lb). They all have the characteristic centropomid shape, with the two-part dorsal fin and general percoid form. As mentioned earlier, all species are carnivorous, preying on aquatic invertebrates and other fish in a wide variety of habitats. These fishes are native to freshwater and marine waters of Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Several species are endemic to the Rift Valley lakes in Africa. There are currently 11 recognized species in this genus: Species within this genus include: