Myaka | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Cichlidae |
Tribe: | Tilapiini |
Genus: |
Myaka Trewavas, 1972 |
Species: | M. myaka |
Binomial name | |
Myaka myaka Trewavas, 1972 |
The Myaka (Myaka myaka) is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon where it prefers open, deeper waters, only venturing into shallower waters to spawn. The exact placement of this species within its sub-family is uncertain, leading some to place it in the Haplochromini instead of Tilapiini. This species can reach a length of 6.7 centimetres (2.6 in) SL. It is currently the only known species in its genus. It is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities, and potentially also by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos).Konia, Pungu and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of ciclids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.