Usipa (scientific name: Engraulicypris sardella) is a "small sardine-like fish that occurs in large shoals".[1] Because of its small size, it is commonly dried. Usipa is mostly eaten in Malawi and Mozambique along with nsima ugali. Dried usipa is sold at most markets in Malawi.[1] In Malawi, Usipa is typically consumed with the bones in it due to their softness.[2]

These Yawo men sit at a rural village market in Mozambique where usipa (dried fish) is being sold while they chow down on locally baked pao (bread)

Usipa plays a significant role in the economic livelihood for many households at Lake Malawi that rely upon fishing for income. A great deal is not known about the species' biology.

References edit

  1. ^ a b Briggs, Phillip (2013). Malawi. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 45. ISBN 978-1841624747.
  2. ^ Russell, Aaron J. M. (contributor) (2008). Country Case Study: Development and Status of Freshwater Aquaculture in Malawi. WorldFish. p. 2026. ISBN 978-9832346647. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)