Singida tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus)

Scientific name: Oreochromis esculentus Graham, 1928

Singida tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus)

The Singida tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–29°C (75–84°F).

Singida tilapia care at a glance

Temperature
24–29°C (75–84°F)

Biology

Occurs at temperatures ranging from 23.0-28.0 ?C. Tolerant of low oxygen concentrations (3, 48262, 52016) and high levels of carbon dioxide. Occasionally forms schools. Mainly diurnal. Filter feeder. Food consist almost entirely of phytoplankton, mainly diatoms but also higher plants, and small animals such as insects and their larvae, crustaceans and worms, are taken as well, but they occur less frequently and may contribute to the diet of young fishes. Only diatoms and some blue-green and green algae appear to be digested. Agamous, maternal moutbrooder. Excellent taste, firm meat and suitable f

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Oreochromis esculentus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
50.0
Common length
31.0
Depth range
0–50 m (0–164 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 50 m, usually ? - 20 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Lake Victoria, Lake Nabugabo, Lakes Kyoga and Kwania, and the Victoria Nile above the Murchison Falls; the Malawa River (Uganda) and Lake Gangu, west of Lake Victoria. This species, which was originally endemic to Lake Victoria, is widely distributed in dams. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Critically Endangered (CR) (A2bcde)
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: experimental
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tmax=10)

Sources

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

Last updated