Gambia

The Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus niloticus, is a cichlid with a very wide natural range in Africa, from Senegal east to Egypt and Uganda. Bred in huge numbers as a food fish, it has been introduced to over 70 other countries and is one of the most invasive fish species in the world. It reaches 60 cm, though usually around 35 cm, breeds readily, is very messy and does not make a good aquarium subject.

The Senegal bichir, Polypterus senegalus senegalus, is the most widespread bichir, found in 26 African countries including Egypt and Senegal. It is usually found in shallow, slow-moving swamps, marshes and freshwater lagoons. One of the more peaceful and active Polypterus, it reaches 50 cm, is recommended for beginners with these fish, and has lived for over 30 years in aquaria.

Synodontis schall is a large, predatory Synodontis catfish recorded from seventeen African countries, among them Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya. Regarded as the 'bad boy' of the genus in aquarium circles, it grows to 375 mm SL, is randomly aggressive and will eat smaller fish, so it should be kept only with tankmates that can stand their own ground. It is an important food fish in some of its native countries.

The African lungfish, Protopterus annectens annectens, is a lungfish found in 17 African countries, including Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya and Sudan. It inhabits temporary floodplains that dry out completely for part of the year and survives the dry season by aestivating in a mucus cocoon, for several years if need be. The most commonly seen lungfish in the hobby, it reaches 100 cm, bites hard and is best kept singly.