HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesPerch-like fishCichlidsTilapia Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus eduardianus) Scientific name: Oreochromis niloticus eduardianus Boulenger, 1912 The Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus eduardianus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Tilapia care at a glanceTemperature24–28°C (75–82°F) BiologyForms schools in the day time but disperses at night. Is mainly diurnal. Feeds on phytoplankton. Female mouthbrooder, carrying up to about 2000 eggs. Dwarf females of only 12-13 cm TL, from (semi-)enclosed lagoons, known to brood eggs or young; tolerant to extreme alkaline waters.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameOreochromis niloticus eduardianusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length49.0EnvironmentFreshwater; benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: Albert Nile; Lakes Albert, Edward, George, Kivu; River Ruzizi and Lake Tanganyika. (Introduced into Lakes Victoria and Kyoga and many small lakes and dams in Uganda and Rwanda).Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: experimentalResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026