mozambique tilapia

Scientific name Oreochromis mossambicus
Descriptor Peters
Year of description 1852
IUCN category (World) VU
Family Cichlidae
Genus Oreochromis
Oreochromis mossambicus Oreochromis mossambicus

Introduction

Oreochromis mossambicus, commonly known as mozambique tilapia, is a fresh water fish from the Africa.

This sheet is currently being prepared. The texts currently proposed come from our data model or are being drafted. To request priority for this content, you can write to us HERE.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    35 cm
  • Maximum size
    40 cm
  • Longevity
    11 year
  • Average size
    35 cm
  • Maximum size
    40 cm
  • Longevity
    11 year

How to recognize the mozambique tilapia ?

The mozambique tilapia measures around 35 cm. The dominant males can however reach 40 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly argent body.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous
  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The mozambique tilapia hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The mozambique tilapia is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is omnivorous .

The mozambique tilapia is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place. Parrying or even sustained fighting can occur between dominant males.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare incubateur buccal

The mozambique tilapia is a fish ovipare incubateur buccal. This fish protects its eggs from nearby predators.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : VU

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    17 - 35 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    6 - 8.5
  • Flow
    Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

The mozambique tilapia is most often found at a depth between 1m and 12m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Interact with Fishipedia

To get in touch with our team or participate in our project.

Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

  • {{name}}

    {{#street_number}}{{street_number}}, {{/street_number}}{{#route}}{{route}}{{/route}}
    {{postal_code}} {{town}}

    {{#phone}}{{phone}}{{/phone}}{{^phone}}-{{/phone}}