Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean tilapia (Coptodon guineensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh and brackish water of West Africa, in rivers, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish to almost salt water.
Description
The Guinean tilapia is a robust cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 30 cm. The deep, green-yellow body bears dark cross-bands. Unlike many tilapias it is not a mouthbrooder but a substrate brooder: the pair cleans a nest and both parents guard the eggs and young together. The species comes from the fresh and brackish water of West Africa and is exceptionally salt-tolerant: it lives in rivers but also in lagoons and estuaries with brackish to nearly full-salt water. As an omnivore it eats algae, water plants, detritus and small invertebrates. Because of its salt tolerance and fast growth it is stocked locally for fish farming in brackish lagoons and is an important food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean tilapia?
The Guinean tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Sturdy cichlid with dark vertical bars; a substrate brooder that tolerates brackish water well and lives in lagoons and estuaries.
Where does the Guinean tilapia live?
The Guinean tilapia lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh and brackish water of West Africa, in rivers, lagoons and estuaries; tolerates brackish to almost salt water.
How big does the Guinean tilapia get?
The Guinean tilapia grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Guinean tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Guinean tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guinean tilapia edible?
Yes, the Guinean tilapia is a highly prized food fish.
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Same genus Coptodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.