Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue tilapia (Coptodon rendalli) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Central, East and Southern Africa: from the Congo basin to the Zambezi, the Limpopo, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.
Description
The redbreast tilapia is a deep-bodied freshwater cichlid reaching about 45 cm. The body has a steep head profile, a narrow head and a small mouth; many individuals are brownish with a white belly, but some show a bright red breast and belly, giving the species its name. The redbreast tilapia is a herbivore feeding on water plants, algae and detritus. It lives in still, well-vegetated water across central, eastern and southern Africa and has been introduced elsewhere for aquaculture, locally with adverse effects. Unlike many related tilapias it is a substrate brooder: a parent pair digs a pit and together guards the eggs and young.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue tilapia?
The Blue tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied cichlid with a steep head, small mouth and in some individuals a bright red breast and belly; substrate brooder in which both parents guard the young.
Where does the Blue tilapia live?
The Blue tilapia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central, East and Southern Africa: from the Congo basin to the Zambezi, the Limpopo, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.
How big does the Blue tilapia get?
The Blue tilapia grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Blue tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue tilapia edible?
Yes, the Blue tilapia is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Coptodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.