Lake Ejagham

Biology

Despite its very small size, it supports 7 endemic species of coptodonine and oreochromine cichlid fishes (Coptodon deckerti, C. ejagham, C. fusiforme, C. nigrans, Sarotherodon lamprechti, and S. knauerae). Of these, 6 were only scientifically described in 2010 and 2011, and have therefore not been rated by the IUCN, but they likely face the same threats as C. deckerti (the single older species that has been rated by the IUCN). C. deckerti is considered critically endangered due to pollution and sedimentation from human activities. It could also be threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although Ejagham is too shallow to contain very high amounts of this gas. A species of catfish from the genus Parauchenoglanis has been introduced to the lake, and this probably presents a serious threat to the endemic cichlids.

The Ejagham cichlids are commonly considered a prime example of sympatric speciation within its two genera. Studies indicate a level of secondary gene flow between the lake's species and relatives from nearby regions, and this likely facilitated the speciation (i.e., the Ejagham species not strictly the result of sympatric speciation).