Mozambique tilapia
| Family | Cichlidae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Oreochromis |
| IUCN category (World) | VU |
Introduction
Oreochromis mossambicus is a cichlid native to the lower Zambezi basin, the lower Shire, and the coastal plains of the Zambezi delta. As its name suggests, it is particularly common in Mozambique. It can also be found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Like many of its relatives, this species has been widely exported for aquaculture worldwide. Able to withstand large temperature and oxygen level variations, these fish have extensively colonized some of the wild areas near the farms. This is the case at least in Queensland, Australia, Hawaii, and the south of India.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
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Longevity11 year
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
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Longevity11 year
How to recognize This fish ?
Outside of the breeding period, the Mozambique tilapia is silver with two to five lateral spots. Breeding males are black with a white head and red tips on the dorsal and caudal fins.
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males have a more pointed, beak-shaped snout.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietomnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
This species inhabits stagnant areas of streams, rivers, and water bodies. It is also found in swamps, ponds, and marshes. Adult males are territorial and can sometimes be aggressive towards neighbors with similar behavior. Once mature, they dig their territory in muddy bottoms and attract females to breed there.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare incubateur buccal
Spawning occurs in shallow areas near the shores, usually on muddy or sandy bottoms. Males construct spawning pits and actively defend their nests. Sometimes, non-dominant males reproduce in the nests of territorial males by pretending to be females.
Harmless species
This species does not pose any particular danger to humans in its natural habitat.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
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Invasive speciesYes
This species has been widely exported worldwide for sport fishing but mainly for aquaculture. Several countries are now reporting ecological disasters as a result.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature17 - 35 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 8.5
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FlowSlow and Stagnant
Biotope presentation
The Mozambique tilapia naturally resides at depths less than 12 meters. The substrate is typically composed of sand, humus, and mud.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
