Species guide
How to catch Forktail lates
Lates microlepis
freshwatergame fishLatidae
Forktail lates, also known as Tanganyika salmon, is a freshwater predator native to African lakes. Juveniles stay nearshore while adults live pelagically and often move up to 10 km daily. They grow up to 93 cm and prey mostly on pelagic fish like clupeids.
Where they live
Found in African freshwater lakes, forktail lates juveniles inhabit inshore areas; adults occupy pelagic zones and are more abundant during the rainy season (November to May).
Typical size
Up to about 93 cm
What they eat
- pelagic clupeid fish
- Lates stappersii
Best baits
- small whole fish
- fish strips
Best lures
- medium to large trolling lures
- shallow diving plugs
How to fish for them
- trolling
- live bait fishing
- casting near pelagic schools
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