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Busuma tilapia (Tilapia busumana) — Cichlidae

Busuma tilapia

Tilapia busumana
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Busuma tilapia (Tilapia busumana) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
West Africa; fast-flowing rivers and lakes of Ghana.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Busuma tilapia is an African cichlid from West Africa, including Lake Bosumtwi and adjacent river systems in Ghana. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a deep, stocky body. It is adapted to life in fast-flowing rivers with rapids. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, growth, detritus and small invertebrates. Tilapias form pairs and lay their eggs on a cleaned, open substrate, guarded by both parents. The species is of local fishery importance and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Busuma tilapia?

The Busuma tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Adapted to fast-flowing rivers; pair-forming open-substrate brooder with biparental care.

Where does the Busuma tilapia live?

The Busuma tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa; fast-flowing rivers and lakes of Ghana.

How big does the Busuma tilapia get?

The Busuma tilapia grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Busuma tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Busuma tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Busuma tilapia edible?

Yes, the Busuma tilapia is commonly eaten.

More photos

Busuma tilapia (Tilapia busumana) — Cichlidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — J. Green (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Busuma tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Tilapia busumana
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
West Africa; fast-flowing rivers and lakes of Ghana. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm, detritus and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Adapted to fast-flowing rivers; pair-forming open-substrate brooder with biparental care. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Tilapia

More from the family Cichlidae

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