Details
Oreochromis niloticus
A hardy African freshwater fish and one of the world's most important aquaculture species. It grows quickly in warm lakes, rivers, ponds, and farms.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Native to the Nile basin and East African waters, it now occurs widely in tropical and subtropical reservoirs, rivers, ponds, and aquaculture systems.
The body is deep and laterally compressed, with a long dorsal fin. Vertical bars cross the body, and fine stripes mark the tail.
It forms loose groups in shallow water. Breeding males excavate nest pits and defend small territories.
It eats algae, plant material, plankton, and small invertebrates, and adapts well to formulated feeds in farms.
Females mouthbrood fertilized eggs and young fry. Warm water allows repeated breeding cycles.
The species is valuable for food production, but introduced populations can compete with native fishes and alter ecosystems.
