Fin's Fish Guide
The Okavango tilapia (Tilapia ruweti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Okavango tilapia is a small African cichlid (Cichlidae) from southern Africa. The species stays small and has a fairly deep body with dark crossbars and often a dark blotch on the dorsal fin. It inhabits swamps and floodplains, especially enriched pans and well-vegetated, shallow littoral margins of quiet waters. As an omnivore it grazes algae and plant matter and snaps up small invertebrates. It is a substrate brooder that guards the young. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Okavango tilapia?
The Okavango tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small swamp and floodplain tilapia; substrate brooder that guards the juveniles.
Where does the Okavango tilapia live?
The Okavango tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern Africa; swamps and floodplains.
How big does the Okavango tilapia get?
The Okavango tilapia grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Okavango tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Okavango tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Okavango tilapia edible?
The Okavango tilapia is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Okavango tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Okavango tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.