Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron)

Scientific name: Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron R?ppell, 1852

The Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–25°C (73–77°F).

Blackchin tilapia care at a glance

Temperature: 23–25°C (73–77°F)

Biology

Primarily in estuaries and lagoons. Abundant in mangrove areas and venture in to both fresh and salt waters in native and non-native ranges. Forms schools; is mainly nocturnal with intermittent daytime feeding. Feeds on aufwuchs and detritus, as well as on bivalves and zooplankton. Occurs in lower reaches of streams and can tolerate high salinity.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 28.0
Common length: 17.5
Depth range: 3 m (10 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 demersal; depth range 3 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Lagoons and estuaries from C?te d'Ivoire to Cameroon. Introduced to several countries in Asia, USA and Europe. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.16)