Scientific Name
Oreochromis rukwaensis
Common Name
Lake Rukwa tilapia
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 15 - 17;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 11-13;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 10 - 11;
Vertebrae: 30. Caudal fin free of scales except basally. Scales on cheek in 2 rows. Vertebrae 30. Outer teeth bicuspid, occasionally with a few tricuspids. Breeding males mainly black with orange margins to dorsal and caudal fins; pelvic fins black or yellowish and the long genital tassels orange-yellow; iridescent marblings on gill-cover and snout.