Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
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Order : Perciformes
Family : CICHLIDAE
Species : Oreochromis mossambicus
Maximum Length : 40 cm
Originally from East
Africa, this Cichlid has been introduced to many corners of the globe as a
food source. It is a hardy species, able to survive in waters with a large
pH range, a high level of pollution, and brackish waters with varied
salinity. Introduced populations are most successful in canals, ponds and
still or slow moving inlets of lakes and reservoirs.
The species is omnivorous and will feed on algae, water plants, insects,
fish fry and organic detritus.
The body is laterally compressed, the head and mouth large and the lips
pronounced.
The male (pictured here) is dark brown to black with red-edged fins and a
yellow-white throat and is solitary in habit. Females are plain grey or
brown, and frequently shoal. Males excavate a circular burrow which they
defend vigorously and to which they attempt to entice females to breed. The
young fry are brooded in the mouth as protection from predators.
The species has been introduced to Indochina, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore,
Philippines and Indonesia.
Fig 1 :
Female Tilapia in a flooded storm drain, Singapore.
Fig 2 : Male Tilapia, near Kranji
Reservoir, Singapore.
Fig 3 : Shoal of fully-grown Tilapia in mangrove habitat at Sungei
Buloh, Singapore.
References :
Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of
Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
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