Usipa

Usipa is a small fish, akin to a sardine, that is typically found in large schools and is often dried due to its diminutive size. It is a popular food in Malawi and Mozambique, commonly enjoyed with a traditional dish known as nsima or ugali. In Malawi, dried usipa is widely available in most markets, and it is customarily consumed whole, including the bones, as they are quite tender.

Beyond its status as a culinary favorite, usipa plays a vital role in the economy for many families living around Lake Malawi who depend on fishing for their livelihood. Despite its economic and cultural importance, there remains much to be understood about the biology of this small fish.