Green happy
📖 Overview
Found in shallow fringes in heavily vegetated areas but prefers deep, quiet water, slow-flowing channels and floodplain lagoons . Feeds on Nymphaea seeds, water insects, mollusks and fish material (scales of large cichlids) . Ovophilic, agamous female mouthbrooder . Breeds in summer, probably spawning twice in the season; males mature at 15 cm, females at 12.5-15.0 cm; used as a snail control agent .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Green happy is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibits mouth brooding.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical; 11°S - 21°S
🌿 Ecology
Nymphaea seeds, water insects, mollusks and fish material (scales of large cichlids) (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Green happy is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Green happy is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Green happy has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Dusky Bream |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paratilapia codringtonii | Boulenger | 1908 | Synonym |
| Paratilapia marginata | Gilchrist & Thompson | 1917 | Synonym |
| Serranochromis codringtonii | Boulenger | 1908 | Synonym |
| Serranochromis condringtoni | Boulenger | 1908 | Synonym |
| Tilapia woosnami | Boulenger | 1911 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Green happy.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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