Messinkitilapia
📖 Overview
Messinkitilapia (Sarotherodon tournieri), first described by Daget, 1965 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 17.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Cichlidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11; Vertebrae: 28. Diagnosis: body depth 44.9-54.1% SL; caudal peduncle short and deep, its length 0.5-0.6 times in its depth . 3 scale rows on cheek . No black spots . 8-9 faint vertical bars behind dark nape on body . Dorsal fin with grey lappets and large, round, clear spots in dark reticulum; anal fin similarly marked; caudal fin with small, dark rectangular spots, either irregularly arranged or in curved rows . : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Messinkitilapia is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal. Tropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 6°N - 5°N Known only from the River Cess (or Nipoué) in Liberia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Messinkitilapia |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarotherodon tournieri liberiensis | Thys van den Audenaerde | 1971 | Synonym |
| Sarotherodon tournieri tournieri | Daget | 1965 | Synonym |
| Tilapia liberiensis | Thys van den Audenaerde | 1971 | Synonym |
| Tilapia tournieri | Daget | 1965 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Messinkitilapia.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Messinkitilapia ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.