Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)

Scientific name: Oreochromis aureus Steindachner, 1864

The Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 8–30°C (46–86°F).

Blue tilapia care at a glance

Temperature: 8–30°C (46–86°F)

Biology

Cold tolerant, occuring at temperatures ranging from 8?-30?C, tolerating up to 41 ?C. Tolerates fairly brackish conditions. Forms schools; is sometimes territorial; inhabits warm ponds and impoundments as well as lakes and streams, in open water as well as among stones and vegetation. Feeds on phytoplankton and small quantities of zooplankton. Young fish have a more varied diet which includes large quantities of copepods and cladocerans, but they also take pieces of small invertebrates. Ovophilic, agamous, maternal mouthbrooder. Sexual maturity in ponds reached at age of 5-6 months. Reproduces in both fresh and brackish water. Good taste (Re

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oreochromis aureus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 45.7
Common length: 16.0
Depth range: 5 m (16 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 5 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa and Eurasia: Jordan Valley, Lower Nile, Chad Basin, Benue, middle and upper Niger, Senegal River. Introduced in the oasis of Azraq (Jordan) as well as in warm water ponds of USA, South and Central America and South East Asia. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial; bait: usually
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.48-0.58; tm