Usipa

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.