Another issue is that it is steadily decreasing in size as the region turns more and more into a desert landscape, and along with the very warm water temperature, the summer heat creates a ton of evaporation. Sadly, there are some issues with the lake that might lead to the disappearance of it altogether. If you search on YouTube, you will readily see the fish swarming in freshwater pools and springs on the outskirts of Lake Natron. If the fish ventured into the lake itself, they would surely perish. There is evidence that these wonderful fish have been kept in the hobby.įor small sized fish living in a terrible environment, these are some beautifully colored fish. As I have stated, these fish live in and around the freshwater streams and pools that enter Lake Natron. You will be able to see these fish is a quick Google search if desired. The fish are three kinds of Alcolapia, and one species of Oreochromis tilapia.Īlcolapia grahami- found in lake Natron and Lake Nakuru.Īlcolapia alcalica- also known as the soda cichlid.Īlcolapia latilabris- a wide mouthed tilapia species reaching a size of just over 6cm.Īnd Oreochromis ndalalani- a narrow mouthed tilapia species living along the southern shores of the lake. Okay so the fish don’t live in the hottest or most salty part of the lake, but rather close the freshwater streams. In the summer months the water of lake Natron can get up to a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit!Ĭan you believe that in these terrible conditions live at least four kinds of fish?Īlthough the lake is very toxic, it does however have some freshwater wetlands around the freshwater streams that flow into it.

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used sodium carbonate in their embalming rituals? Lake Natron also boasts a ph value around 10.5. The streams provide the lake with endless minerals and sodium carbonate. This is because there are small rivers or streams that flow into the lake, but none flowing out. Picture from National GeographicĪlong with the flamingoes, Lake Natron is very well known for the crazy amount of salinity it has in it. First of all, it is home to some of the most beautiful Lesser flamingo in the world….

Lake Natron is known worldwide for a few things. Little known fact…I lived in Arusha, Tanzania for quite a few years growing up! Lake Natron was on the edge of a large hunting area we used to frequent, and so I remember seeing it from afar on occasion. It is in the Great Rift Valley, and Natron has a beauty all on its own for the Great Rift Lakes! Lake Natron resides in the Ngorongoro District of the Arusha region in Tanzania. Lake Natron is in northern Tanzania, East Africa.

Lake natron in africa