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Oreochromis spilurus (Günther, 1894) Sabaki tilapia |
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photo by
de Vos, L. |
| Family: | Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae | |||
| Max. size: | 19.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 16.3 cm (female) | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish | |||
| Distribution: | Africa: Coastal rivers of Kenya from the Mwena River to the lower Athi below Lugard's Falls; also near its mouth, including Lake Chem Chem; Lower and middle Tana River, Northern Uaso Nyiro, Juba system and Webi Shebeli; Nguruman; and Ethiopia (Ref. 5166). Probably also in Lake Momello, south of the Kenya-Tanzania border (Ref. 5166, 118638). Three subspecies are recognized: Oreochromis spilurus niger, Oreochromis spilurus percivali and Oreochromis spilurus spilurus. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 14-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-10; Vertebrae: 28-30. Scales on cheek in 2 or 3 series. Genital papilla of male conical or club-shaped, with a sub-terminal pore. Females and immature males have a yellow-buff background color with a series of mid-lateral blotches and a more dorsal parallel series. Mature males golden-yellow; conspicuous bright blue areas on dorsal, anal and pelvic fins; orange or red dorsal lappets. | |||
| Biology: | Feeds on insects, plants and diatoms (Ref. 2). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (124695) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||
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