Albert lates

<em>Lates macrophthalmus</em>, commonly known as the Albert lates or bigeye lates, belongs to the family Latidae and is endemic to Lake Albert on the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border. This freshwater predator inhabits depths ranging from approximately 20 to 40 metres, suggesting a preference for deeper, open-water or demersal zones of the lake. It reaches a maximum recorded length of around 29 cm, placing it among the smaller members of the <em>Lates</em> genus, which also includes the much larger Nile perch. Details of wider habitat associations and geographic range beyond Lake Albert remain limited in the ichthyological literature. <em>Lates macrophthalmus</em> carries the designation of game fish, and anglers targeting predatory species in Lake Albert may encounter it, though it is not as renowned as its larger congener. Fishing methods effective for other <em>Lates</em> species, including live bait and lures that mimic small fish, are likely applicable. The lake's fisheries have historically been productive, though rising exploitation and environmental pressures affect multiple endemic species. Given its restricted endemic range within a single lake system, <em>L. macrophthalmus</em> could be vulnerable to overfishing, habitat degradation, and competition with introduced species, though it has not yet received a formal conservation assessment.