Longfin Tilapia

Max length : 43.0 cm TL male/unsexed

Mating territory having a central volcano-shaped mound with a flat or slightly concave top, surrounded by a ditch and value. Prefers quiet, deep water associated with aquatic vegetation, but has been collected in other habitats as well (Ref. 12524, 13337). Found at temperatures between 18 and 35°C (Ref. 54042). Has a very low salinity tolerance (Ref. 2, 58). Occasionally forms schools, is mainly diurnal. Feeds mostly on detritus, (blue-green) algae and diatoms. Juvenile also accepts small invertebrates and zooplankton (Ref. 7248, 52193, 52307), but lose this tendency with age

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 12; Vertebrae: 29 - 32. Diagnosis: head profile steep and rounded. Toothed area of lower pharyngeal bone with broadly rounded lobes; scales on cheek in 2-3 rows; caudal scales variable, not on the inter-radial membranes except at the base, and never stiffening the fin. Adults with black or dark brown flecks in the temporal region, on the gill-cover and below the eye, mostly associated with openings of the lateral line system. Adults without conspicuous mid-lateral blotches

Breeds in summer. Males construct and defend a nest in shallowish waters, which is a central volcano-shaped mound with a flat or slightly concave top which is the mating platform, surrounded by a ditch and vallum (groove and boundary wall). The cone is higher than the boundary wall of the territory. Spawns in waters up to 150 cm deep, along banks of the lakes/river. Males court several females in succession and females may mate with more than one male in a summer, so that large populations of young may build up. Several nests are often grouped into an arena