Longfin tilapia (Oreochromis macrochir) fish species and information / pictures of Longfin tilapia - Oreochromis macrochir

Longfin tilapia (Oreochromis macrochir) fish species information

Scientific Name
Oreochromis macrochir

Common Name
Longfin tilapia

Biology
Mating territory having a central volcano-shaped mound (Ref. 2, 246, 314, 5214, 12524, 55074) with a flat or slightly concave top, surrounded by a ditch and vallum, in contrast to O. mweruensis (Ref. 2). Prefers quiet, deep water associated with aquatic vegetation, but has been collected in other habitats as well (Ref. 12524, 13337). Found at temperatures between 18 and 35?C (Ref. 54042). Has a very low salinity tolerance (Ref. 2, 58). Occasionally forms schools, is mainly diurnal (Ref. 2). Feeds mostly on detritus (Ref. 87, 7248, 44661, 52193, 52307, 56192), (blue-green) algae (Ref. 12524, 13337, 44661) and diatoms (Ref. 246, 7248, 12524, 13337, 52193). Juvenile also accepts small invertebrates and zooplankton (Ref. 7248, 52193, 52307), but lose this tendency with age (Ref. 52307). Maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 87, 246, 314, 5214, 7248, 8600, 12524, 13337,

Classification

Classified By
Boulenger, 1912
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Cichlids (Cichlidae)

Distribution

Region
Africa
Distribution
Africa: Kafue, upper Zambezi, and Congo River systems; introduced elsewhere in Africa and in Hawaiian Islands Also in the Okavango and Ngami region, Cunene basin, Chambezi and Bangweulu region (Ref. 5166).
Range
5°N - 25°S

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
18 °C
Water Temperature To
35 °C
Depth From - meters
5 m
Depth To - meters
14 m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 5 - 14 m (Ref. 58302)
Trophic Level
2.21 s.e. 0.11 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
43.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (34 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.27-1.0; tm
Threat To Humans
Unknown
IUCN Red List Status
  Vulnerable (VU) (A3e)