Animal Profiles
Fish

Nile tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Nile tilapia is a freshwater cichlid widely raised in aquaculture. It feeds largely on algae and other small food, while females protect developing eggs and young in their mouths.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), the representative described here.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), the representative described here.

Germano Roberto Schüür · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Oreochromis niloticus occurs naturally in African river and lake systems and parts of the eastern Mediterranean region. The filters concern that native region; extensive farming and introductions have spread it much farther.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Algae and phytoplankton form major foods, with insect larvae and other material also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Nile tilapia
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Oreochromis niloticus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Perciformes
Family
Cichlidae
Genus
Oreochromis

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Females are mouthbrooders.
  • The tail has regular vertical bars.
  • It is widely farmed.

Habitat and range

Oreochromis niloticus occurs naturally in African river and lake systems and parts of the eastern Mediterranean region. The filters concern that native region; extensive farming and introductions have spread it much farther.

Appearance and adaptations

The deep body has a relatively small head. Regular vertical bars run across the tail fin, a useful identification feature. Colours differ with sex, age and breeding condition.

Diet and behaviour

Algae and phytoplankton form major foods, with insect larvae and other material also eaten. Males excavate shallow pits for breeding. Females carry the eggs and young in the mouth.

Sources

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