Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Fresh and brackish water of West Africa, in lagoons, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths; tolerates a wide range of salinity.
Description
The blackchin tilapia is a sturdy cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 28 cm. The laterally compressed, silvery-grey body has a yellow cast, spines in the dorsal fin and, in adults, a dark chin and throat. The species comes from fresh and brackish water of West Africa and lives in large groups in lagoons, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths; it tolerates a wide range of salinity. As an omnivore it filters and grazes algae, diatoms, detritus and small zooplankton. Notable is its parental care: the species is a mouthbrooder, with often the male brooding the eggs and young in his mouth. With its hardy nature and tasty flesh it is an important food and aquaculture fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackchin tilapia?
The Blackchin tilapia has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy West African tilapia with a dark chin; the parents brood the eggs in the mouth, often the male.
Where does the Blackchin tilapia live?
The Blackchin tilapia lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh and brackish water of West Africa, in lagoons, estuaries, mangroves and river mouths; tolerates a wide range of salinity.
How big does the Blackchin tilapia get?
The Blackchin tilapia grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Blackchin tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackchin tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackchin tilapia edible?
Yes, the Blackchin tilapia is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Same genus Sarotherodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackchin tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackchin tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.