Fin's Fish Guide
The Deckert's tilapia (Coptodon deckerti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
Deckert's tilapia is a cichlid (Cichlidae) endemic to a crater lake in Cameroon, West Africa. The species has a deep, laterally compressed body. It forms pairs and is an open-substrate brooder: both parents lay the eggs on a fixed surface and guard the brood together, unlike the mouthbrooding cichlids. As an omnivore it feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates. Through its range in a single lake it is critically endangered. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Deckert's tilapia?
The Deckert's tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Open-substrate-brooding pair former (not a mouthbrooder); critically endangered crater lake endemic.
Where does the Deckert's tilapia live?
The Deckert's tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. West Africa; endemic to a crater lake in Cameroon.
How big does the Deckert's tilapia get?
The Deckert's tilapia grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Deckert's tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Deckert's tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Deckert's tilapia edible?
The Deckert's tilapia is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Coptodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Deckert's tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Deckert's tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.