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The mysterious waters of Lake Malawi: Why is it known as the lake with the most fish in the world?
Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa or Lago Niassa, is a large freshwater lake located in the East African Rift Valley system, between Malawi, Between Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake is world-famous for its rich fish resources. It is the lake with the most fish on earth and is home to at least 700 species of silver carp. Lake Malawi is the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa, and the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.
Lake Malawi is not only a geographical wonder, but also an ecosystem of extraordinary biodiversity.
Geographical Overview
Lake Malawi is between 560 and 580 kilometres long and is approximately 75 kilometres at its widest point. The total area of the lake is approximately 29,600 square kilometers, with the deepest point in the north-central part reaching a depth of 706 meters. The southern part is relatively shallow, with depths generally below 400 m. The lake is surrounded by shorelines from Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, and the largest river flowing into the lake is the Ruhuhu River. At the southern end of the lake, the Shire River flows out and eventually flows into the Zambezi River.
Hydrological characteristics of lakes
The water in Lake Malawi is alkaline, with a pH between 7.7 and 8.6, and the surface water temperature is usually between 24 and 29°C. Due to its special geographical and hydrological characteristics, Lake Malawi presents a layered water body, and water from different layers does not mix, which also creates a unique living environment for different organisms in the lake.
The water stratification phenomenon in this lake not only affects the living environment of organisms, but also has a profound impact on the ecological balance of the lake.
Fish diversity
Lake Malawi's famous catfish plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It is estimated that the number of catfish species in Lake Malawi may be as high as 1,000, most of which are endemic, making Lake Malawi an ideal location for biologists to study and research.
In addition to the cichlid, Lake Malawi is home to a variety of unique fish, including the Lake Malawi sardine and large catfish, which are an important source of protein for local residents.
Ecological Challenges and Human Impacts
However, Lake Malawi's ecosystem is facing multiple threats, including overfishing and water pollution. According to the report, the number of fish in the lake has been declining year by year, especially some key species such as catfish, whose numbers have been greatly reduced. Human demand on the lake's water resources is also increasing, which could cause the lake's water level to drop further.
Culture and History
Lake Malawi is not only a natural wonder, but also rich in history and culture. The lake was first visited by Portuguese merchant Candido José da Costa Cardoso in 1846, followed by David Livingstone in 1859, who named it Lake Niassa. Livingston also gave the lake nicknames such as "Lake of Stars" and "Lake of Storms", which reflect the lake's historical importance.
Since the 19th century, Lake Malawi has been a hub for trade and cultural exchange, forming an important part of life for those living along its African shores.
Future Outlook
Faced with the challenges of climate change, the future of Lake Malawi remains uncertain. Climate change affects the water levels of lakes and may change the ecosystems around them. Protecting this rich ecosystem is not only the responsibility of local residents, but also an important task of global ecological protection.
The vitality and future of Lake Malawi lies in how we face current environmental challenges and human impacts. How can we protect this precious ecological resource?
