Ye ri do ning fantango mulunta, bari e do mo ny al fattata.
Proverb's direct translation
Some trees may look alike (fantango is a type of fish whose scales look like the bark of a certain tree), but their fruits are eaten differently.
Proverb's meaning
Looks can be deceptive.
Equivalent proverb
Don't judge a book by its cover.
From: Mandinka
General comments
The Mandinka are variously known as Malinke, Mandingo and Mande. They live in West Africa, primarily in the Gambia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Mali.