Pindu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pindu |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Stomatepia |
| Species: |
S. pindu
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stomatepia pindu Trewavas, 1972
|
|
| Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist. | |
Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".
The pindu (Stomatepia pindu) is a special type of fish called a cichlid. It lives only in Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. Sadly, the pindu is a critically endangered species, which means it's very close to disappearing forever.
Contents
What the Pindu Looks Like
The pindu fish is usually a solid black color. But when it's time to have babies, or if it feels scared, its color can become lighter. Both male and female pindu fish look similar in color.
This fish has a long body with a pointy head and nose. It also has a fairly large mouth. The pindu is quite strong and its body is about 30% to 37% as deep as it is long. It has a special sensory system on its head that helps it feel its surroundings. You might also see a line of dark spots along its sides. Male pindu fish can grow up to about 9.1 centimeters (around 3.6 inches) long.
Where the Pindu Lives
The pindu fish lives only in Lake Barombi Mbo. This lake is a volcanic crater lake in western Cameroon. It's not a very big lake, only about 3 miles across. Fish and other animals can only live in the top 40 meters (about 130 feet) of the lake because that's where there's enough oxygen.
Pindu Habits and Life Cycle
The pindu is a predatory fish, meaning it hunts and eats other animals. It has also been seen acting like a "kleptoparasite." This means it sometimes steals food from the freshwater crab called Potamon africanus.
When pindu fish are ready to reproduce, a male and female will leave their group. They lay their eggs directly on the lake bottom without building a special nest. The female lays the eggs, and the male fertilizes them. After that, the female picks up the eggs and keeps them safe in her mouth. She holds them there for about three to four weeks until they hatch.
Threats to the Pindu Fish
The pindu fish is in danger because of several things happening around Lake Barombi Mbo.
- Pollution and Sedimentation: Human activities near the lake cause pollution and sedimentation. This means dirt and other materials wash into the lake, making the water dirty and cloudy. This can harm the fish and their habitat.
- Carbon Dioxide: There's a possible threat from large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas that could be released from the bottom of the lake. However, studies suggest that Lake Barombi Mbo doesn't have too much of this gas stored up.
- Water Use: The growing town of Kumba needs more water, so water is taken from the lake. This can lower the lake's water level and affect the pindu's home.
- New Species: Sometimes, new types of fish or animals are brought into a lake where they don't naturally belong. These "non-native species" can compete with the pindu for food or even eat them. Luckily, right now, there are no introduced fish species in Lake Barombi Mbo, and commercial fishing is not allowed.
 | Laphonza Butler |
 | Daisy Bates |
 | Elizabeth Piper Ensley |
