Lates

Lates is a genus of freshwater and euryhaline 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 after its introduction into the East African Lake Victoria, where many native Haplochromines were driven extinct. In contrast, the Nile perch itself is somewhat threatened in its native habitat, similar to many members of the genus Lates with relatively restricted distributions.

Lates is a genus of freshwater and euryhaline 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 after its introduction into the East African Lake Victoria, where many native Haplochromines were driven extinct. In contrast, the Nile perch itself is somewhat threatened in its native habitat, similar to many members of the genus Lates with relatively restricted distributions. ==Etymology== The generic name Lates derives from the Latin latēre (to be hidden). ==Description== These fishes range in size from less than in maximum overall length, the largest species reaching weights up to . They all have the characteristic centropomid shape, with the two-part dorsal fin and general percoid form. All species are carnivorous, preying on aquatic invertebrates and other fish in a wide variety of habitats. ==Distribution and habitat== , with four endemic to Tanganyika (L. angustifrons shown), one to Albert and one to Turkana]] 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. ==Taxonomy== ==References==

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1368769691 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.