The myaka (Myaka myaka) is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It prefers open, deeper waters where it feeds on phytoplankton and small insects, only venturing into shallower waters to spawn. This species can reach a length of 6.7 centimetres (2.6 in) SL. It is currently the only known species in the genus Myaka,[2] but it is very close to Sarotherodon.[3] The myaka is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos),[1] although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.[4] Konia, Pungu and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.
| Myaka | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Pseudocrenilabrinae |
| Tribe: | Oreochromini |
| Genus: | Myaka Trewavas, 1972 |
| Species: | M. myaka
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| Binomial name | |
| Myaka myaka Trewavas, 1972
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References
edit- ^ a b Moelants, T. (2010). "Myaka myaka". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T14034A4385592. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T14034A4385592.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Myaka myaka". FishBase. February 2013 version.
- ^ Martin; Cutler; Friel; Touokong; Coop; and Wainwright (2015). Complex histories of repeated gene flow in Cameroon crater lake cichlids cast doubt on one of the clearest examples of sympatric speciation. Evolution 69-6: 1406–1422. doi:10.1111/evo.12674
- ^ Freeth, S.J.; C.O. Ofoegbu; and K.M. Onuoha (1992). Natural Hazards in West and Central Africa, pp. 50—51. ISBN 978-3-663-05239-5
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