Introduction
Oreochromis niloticus is a fresh water fish from the Africa.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size40 cm
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Maximum size60 cm
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Longevity9 year
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Patternvertical stripes
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Average size40 cm
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Maximum size60 cm
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Longevity9 year
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Patternvertical stripes
How to recognize This fish ?
Oreochromis niloticus measures around 40 cm. The dominant males can however reach 60 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly gris body. The also has noir vertical stripes.
Sexual dimorphism
The adult male is bigger than the female.
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
Oreochromis niloticus hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
Oreochromis niloticus is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is omnivorous .
Oreochromis niloticus is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare incubateur buccal
Oreochromis niloticus is a fish ovipare incubateur buccal. This fish protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Origin and distribution
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature14 - 33 °C
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FlowSlow and Stagnant
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
Oreochromis niloticus is most often found at a depth between 0m and 30m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).
This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.
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.
Adrien Falzon
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.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
