Wami tilapia (Oreochromis urolepis urolepis)

Scientific name: Oreochromis urolepis urolepis Norman, 1922

The Wami tilapia (Oreochromis urolepis urolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Africa, Rufigi River and its tributaries; the Kilombero and Great Ruaha Rivers, but not in the delta; the Kingani and Mbenkuru Rivers, all in Tanzania.

Wami tilapia care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 12; Vertebrae: 29 - 30. Jaws of mature males enlarged; profile concave. Females and non-breeding males silvery or steel-grey with 2-4 mid-lateral blotches and a more dorsal series usually evident. Breeding males generally dark olive to black, with margin of dorsal fin and margin or upper half of caudal bright red, pink or orange. Deep preorbital bone. Adult caudal fin with dense scalation

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oreochromis urolepis urolepis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 44.0
Depth range: 1 m (3 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 1 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Rufigi River and its tributaries; the Kilombero and Great Ruaha Rivers, but not in the delta; the Kingani and Mbenkuru Rivers, all in Tanzania.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=500)