Blackfin tilapia (Sarotherodon linnellii)

Scientific name: Sarotherodon linnellii L?nnberg, 1903

Blackfin tilapia (Sarotherodon linnellii)

The Blackfin tilapia (Sarotherodon linnellii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Africa, endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, West Cameroon.

Blackfin tilapia care at a glance

Temperature
24–26°C (75–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 11; Vertebrae: 29. Diagnosis: 15-20 rakers on lower limb of first arch; 30-32 scales in lateral line. Body dark grey or green. Head large, especially in adults, its length 37-45% of standard length. Jaw teeth very small. Breeding males green; intense tilapia-mark present in young until about 10 cm SL, absent above 15 cm SL; as the gonads mature the lower parts of the head and the flanks become more metallic and green; most brooding females silver grey in general color; fins mainly of a neutral color; pelvic fins may be yellow.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Sarotherodon linnellii
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
18.5
Environment
Freshwater; demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, West Cameroon.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered (CR) (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii))
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries:; aquaculture: likely future use
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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