Yellow-belly cichlid (kuhe, giant cichlid)

The world's largest cichlid: long, torpedo-shaped silver-gray to yellowish body with tiny scales, a yellow belly and throat, a row of faint dark spots along the side, and a long dorsal fin.

2–6 lb.

About 32 in (80 cm) and about 10 lb (4.5 kg published).

Small fish, especially the lake's sardines (dagaa/kapenta) and small cichlids.

Hunts in loose groups along the rocky and sandy shores of the lake. Pairs guard their huge broods of fry together for weeks.

Found from African Lakes & Rivers. Found only in Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo and Burundi): rocky points, sandy bays and open water near shore.

Found only in Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo and Burundi): rocky points, sandy bays and open water near shore.

Near-shore surface waters down to about 80 ft or more.

5–40 ft off rocky points and sandy drop-offs.

Year-round; calm months in the dry season (about May to November) are most comfortable on the lake.

Early morning and evening.

No tide — calm, clear water is best.

Calm days; afternoon winds can build big waves on this huge lake.

Small live or dead sardines (dagaa/kapenta) or small fish strips.

Small spoons, spinners, minnow plugs and soft swimbaits.

Medium spinning rod, 6½–7 ft, with a 2500–4000 reel.

1/0–3/0 single hooks.

10–20 lb braid or mono.

15–25 lb fluorocarbon; add light wire if tigerfish or Tanganyika perch are around.

Cast small spoons and plugs along rocky points and sandy drop-offs, or troll slowly along the shore; often caught while fishing for Tanganyika perch (lates).

Look for birds and splashing over schools of lake sardines in the evening; kuhe and perch are usually feeding underneath.

Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Good eating when fresh.

Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.

Firm, tasty white meat highly valued around the lake — grilled whole, fried or in stews.

Lake Tanganyika has crocodiles and hippos in places, and sudden storms. Wear a life jacket on small boats.

Commercial and local fishing take many; parts of the shore are in Gombe and Mahale national parks (Tanzania) and Nsumbu (Zambia) with their own rules. The species is listed as Near Threatened — release breeding pairs and fish guarding fry. Each African country sells its own fishing license, and national parks, game reserves and many lodges charge separate rod or park fees; some lakes and rivers have closed seasons or catch-and-release rules — check before you go.

Listed as Near Threatened because of heavy fishing; keep only what you'll eat and never take fish guarding young.