Blackfin tilapia
📖 Overview
Occasionally forms schools; is mainly diurnal; juveniles feed on mayfly larvae and various terrestrial insects among a diet in which animal items formed a high proportion . Adults feed predominantly on phytoplankton . Congregates in small groups (under 10 individuals) in open water regions and at a maximum depth of about 5 m . Lacks marked sexual dichromatism when sexually active . Ovophilic, maternal mouth brooder that forms temporary pair bonds prior to spawning, but none after . Ventures to regions near the edges of the lake for spawning, where the male constructs craters in the sand; males infrequently incubate the eggs .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 11; Vertebrae: 29. Diagnosis: 15-20 rakers on lower limb of first arch; 30-32 scales in lateral line . Body dark grey or green . Head large, especially in adults , its length 37-45% of standard length . Jaw teeth very small . Breeding males green; intense tilapia-mark present in young until about 10 cm SL, absent above 15 cm SL; as the gonads mature the lower parts of the head and the flanks become more metallic and green; most brooding females silver grey in general color; fins mainly of a neutral color; pelvic fins may be yellow . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackfin tilapia is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blackfin tilapia is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Brooding by both sexes, predominantly by the female.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 5°N - 4°N West Cameroon (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
mayfly larvae and various terrestrial insects among a diet in which animal items formed a high propo
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tilapia linnellii | Lönnberg | 1903 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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