Found in deep sinkhole lakes (100 m deep or more, e.g. introduced population in Lake Otjikoto, Namibia) with moderately clear water and with water temperatures ranging from 19 to 27°C . Omnivorous , but feeds mainly on algae and diatoms . Generally congregate, breed and feed from the near-vertical shores. Use narrow shelves for breeding, with established and defended territories, both parents guard and tend eggs. Threatened due to depletion of local groundwater resources and impact of introduced species . Individuals tend to display different color patterns ranging from pure black to mottled black and blue, pink and white . Biparental open-spawning species .
color patterns ranging from pure black to mottled black and blue, pink and white .
Behavioural data for Otjikoto tilapia is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Otjikoto tilapia is currently being compiled.
Nests are built on narrow rocky ledges and competition for these nest sites is very strong.
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 15. Tropical; 22°C - 26°C ; 19°S - 21°S endemic to Lake Guinas, Namibia.
algae and diatoms (Ref
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 7 records indexed .
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