Fin's Fish Guide
The Joka tilapia (Coelotilapia joka) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The joka tilapia is a small African cichlid (Cichlidae) from West Africa. The species has a fairly deep body with dark vertical bands. It inhabits brooks and small rivers in the rainforest of Sierra Leone and surroundings. As a mainly plant-eating fish it feeds chiefly on algae, supplemented with small bottom life. It forms pairs and is a substrate brooder in which both parents guard the eggs and young. Owing to a limited range it is considered endangered. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Joka tilapia?
The Joka tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark vertical bars; pair-forming substrate brooder with biparental care, endangered by its restricted range.
Where does the Joka tilapia live?
The Joka tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa; rainforest streams of Sierra Leone and surroundings.
How big does the Joka tilapia get?
The Joka tilapia grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Joka tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Joka tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Joka tilapia edible?
The Joka tilapia is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Joka tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Joka tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Joka tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Joka tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.