Scientific Name
Oreochromis andersonii

Common Name
Three spotted tilapia

Biology
Occurs in both river and swamp habitats and is adapted to fairly fast-flowing rivers (Ref. 2, 6465). Hardy, tolerating fresh and brackish water (up to 20?, Ref. 3), preferring slow-flowing or standing water; adults occupy deep open waters, juveniles remain inshore among vegetation (Ref. 7248, 52193). Prefers fairly deep, quiet water with some weed cover; hippo pools are a favoured retreat (Ref. 12524, 13337). Forms schools (Ref. 2, 12524, 13337). Mainly diurnal; a detritivore which feeds on fine particulate matter (Ref. 2), including algae (Ref. 246, 12524, 13337, 53992), diatoms, detritus (Ref. 7248, 52193, 53992) and zooplankton (Ref. 7248, 52193). Larger individuals also take insects and other invertebrates (Ref. 53992). Feeding regime is variable, the diet changes according to food availability (Ref. 6465). Female mouthbrooder (Ref. 87, 246, 6465, 12524, 1333

Classification

Classified By

Castelnau, 1861

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Cichlids (Cichlidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Ngami basin, Okavango River; Cunene River and Mossamedes, Angola; upper Zambezi, Kafue River; middle Zambezi, Lake Kariba and Cabora Bassa since construction of dams. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

12°S - 21°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

18 °C

Water Temperature To

33 °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

10 m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 10 m (Ref. 54002), usually 3 - 6 m (Ref. 54002)

Trophic Level

2.022 s.e. 0.04 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

61.0 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

Moderate vulnerability (40 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.17-0.22; tm=4; tmax=13)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest (Ref. 6465)

IUCN Red List Status

Vulnerable (VU) (A3e)