Fresh water fish in Namibia

Fish farming is also on the increase in Namibia. Rainbow trout and sharp tooth catfish are two of the main species cultured, and other species include various 'tilapias' as well as common carp, largemouth bass and goldfish as well as wide variety of ornamental fishes. The main species found in abundance off the coast of Namibia are pilchards (sardines), anchovy, hake, and horse mackerel. Smaller but equally significant quantities of sole, squid, deep-sea crab, rock lobster, and tuna, are also much sought after.

Pilchard

Sardines are small, silvery, elongated fishes with a single short dorsal fin, no lateral line, and no scales on the head. They range in length from about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) and live in dense schools, migrating along the coast and feeding on plankton, of which they consume vast quantities. They spawn mainly in spring, with the eggs and, a few days later, the larvae drifting passively until they metamorphose into free-swimming fish.

Anchovy 

Anchovies are small, slender, streamlined fish resembling herrings. Identified by the large mouth, which extends back well beyond the eye. Pointed snout protrudes beyond lower jaw, lateral line straight. Scales large, easily detached. Anchovies are back dark green, sides silver with steel blue band along each side. They do not spawn in Finnish waters. They eat plankton.

Hake

Hakes are elongated, large headed fishes with large, sharp teeth. They have two dorsal fins, the second long and slightly notched near the middle. The anal fin is also long and notched, and the pelvic fins are placed far forward, ahead of the pectorals. Hakes are swift, carnivorous fishes and, though rather soft-fleshed, are used as food. They are found throughout the Atlantic, in the eastern Pacific, and along New Zealand. 

Horse Mackerel

The horse mackerel  is a slender schooling species that may reach up to 60 cm in length. 

The leading rays of its dorsal, anal and pelvic fins have conspicuous spines. It has two dorsal fins, the first of which is short and tall. The second dorsal fin, like the anal fin, is prolonged from the end of the first dorsal almost to the tail. The tail itself is strongly forked. It has a bluish dorsal colouring and silvery sides. It has a large head with large eyes. It has a black spot on the trailing edge of the gill cover, between the pectoral fin and the lateral line.

Tilapia

Tilapia are a hardy, fast growing fish, that can live up to ten years and reach ten pounds in weight. Tilapia are shaped like a sunfish or crappie and are easily identifiable by the interrupted lateral line characteristic of the Chiclid family of fishes.  They are laterally compressed with deep bodies and have long dorsal fins. The foremost portion of the dorsal fin is heavily spined. Spines are also found in the pelvic and anal fins. They are usually wide vertical bars of dark coloration found along the sides of fry, fingerlings, and sometimes adults. They are mainly a herbivores that eating plankton, algae, and other vegetable matter. But sometimes, they also like to eat worms, small fish, and insects. Tilapia Fish can spawn with females producing as many as 200-300 eggs per spawn, every 30 days. Females incubate eggs inside their mouths approximately for a week. She will carries up to 200 eggs in her mouth where the larvae hatch and remain until after the yolk-sac is absorbed.

Cat Fish

Catfish are so-named because of their whisker-like barbels, which are located on the nose, each side of the mouth, and on the chin. Most catfish possess leading spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins. Catfish are scaleless, a characteristic of catfishes distinguishing them from most other teleost fish.

Carps 

Typically, color varies from brassy green or yellow, to golden brown, or even silvery. 

The belly is usually yellowish-white. The dorsal fin with 17-21 rays, and the anal fin both have a heavy toothed spine. Individuals 12-25 inches in length and weighing up to 8-10 pounds are common, although they can grow much larger.

Rock Lobster

They smell with their small antennae and use their big spikey antennae for feeling around, defending themselves and to 'talk'. Rock lobsters are unique as they don't have the large claws of traditional lobsters. They belong to the 'spiny lobster' family and have hundreds of sharp thorny pines covering their body. The Lüderitz community in Namibia depends heavily on the local fishing industry particularly hake, tuna, rock lobster and mariculture, which provides more than 80% of the employment. Lüderitz inhabitants are accustomed to harvesting rock lobster for employment and income.