Karomo (Oreochromis karomo)

Scientific name: Oreochromis karomo Poll, 1948

The Karomo (Oreochromis karomo) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Africa, Malagarasi River basin (Tanzania).

Karomo care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11; Vertebrae: 29. Diagnosis: tasselled species. Adults with all teeth of the jaws tricuspid, with long, slender shafts and curved crowns, arranged in broad bands. Jaws much enlarged, projecting forwards to form a long snout, with the tooth bands meeting in the horizontal plane. Maxilla with a flange resting on the premaxilla at the curve between its two arms.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oreochromis karomo
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 28.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Malagarasi River basin (Tanzania).
Conservation status (IUCN): Critically Endangered (CR) (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii))
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: likely future use; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=250)