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Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) — Cichlidae

Jipe tilapia

Oreochromis jipe
Family: Cichlidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Jipe tilapia is a cichlid (tilapia) from fresh and slightly brackish water of Lake Jipe and the Pangani River in East Africa. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a deep, grey-green to silvery body. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it grazes algae, plant material and detritus and eats small invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder. Through loss of its only habitat the species is critically endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jipe tilapia?

The Jipe tilapia has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Jipe tilapia live?

The Jipe tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Kenya, Tanzania

How big does the Jipe tilapia get?

The Jipe tilapia grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Jipe tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Jipe tilapia is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Jipe tilapia edible?

Yes, the Jipe tilapia is commonly eaten.

More photos

Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) turnercichlid, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Martin Grimm, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) mceja29, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Jipe tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Oreochromis jipe
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Jipe tilapia verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Oreochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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