Deepwater specimens primarily feed on planktonic organisms in the open water column; inshore specimens pick on small particles from substrate and feed on allochtonous matter from water surface . The 'little-black' form breeds in all depth zones; the 'large-black' form breeds preferentially in log-holes of dead wood in the shallow region above 1 m .
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. Diagnosis: Coptodon fusiforme is distinguished from all Tilapia and Coptodon species by the combination of a slender fusiform body, an acute mouth, a pitch black breeding colouration and the 'tilapia spot' being extended to a longitudinal stripe in juveniles . It further differs from other Tilapia senso lato except Coelotilapia joka, Congolapia bilineata and all members of Coptodon in tricuspid pharyngeal teeth in the posterior two rows of lower pharyngeal jaw; it differs from Coelotilapia joka in more gill rakers on first ceratobranchial, 10-11 vs. 6-8; and from Congolapia bilineata in a caudal fin not densely scaled . : fusiform / normal.
Behavioural data for Coptodon Fusiforme is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Coptodon Fusiforme is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Coptodon Fusiforme is currently being compiled.
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
planktonic organisms in the open water column; inshore specimens pick on small particles from substr
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilapia fusiforme | Dunz & Schliewen | 2010 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 4 records indexed .
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