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Nyong tilapia (Coptodon nyongana) — Cichlidae

Nyong tilapia

Coptodon nyongana
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Nyong tilapia (Coptodon nyongana) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Nyong tilapia is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae endemic to the Nyong drainage in Cameroon, West Africa. The species has a stocky, laterally compressed body reaching about 21 cm, with an olive-green to grey ground colour and faint dark cross-bars. It is an omnivore feeding on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. The fish reproduces as a substrate brooder: a pair deposits the eggs on a cleaned surface and both parents guard the clutch and the young. The species inhabits rivers and streams with moderate flow.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nyong tilapia?

The Nyong tilapia has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Nyong tilapia live?

The Nyong tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Nyong tilapia get?

The Nyong tilapia grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Nyong tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Nyong tilapia is harmless to humans.

Is the Nyong tilapia edible?

The Nyong tilapia is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Nyong-tilapia sourced
English name
Nyong tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Coptodon nyongana
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Coptodon

More from the family Cichlidae

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