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Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) — Cichlidae

Manyara tilapia

Oreochromis amphimelas
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Manyara tilapia is a cichlid (tilapia) from fresh and slightly brackish water of soda lakes and rivers of northern Tanzania in East Africa. The species grows to about 28 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 habitat loss and competition from introduced species the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Manyara tilapia?

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

Where does the Manyara tilapia live?

The Manyara tilapia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Manyara tilapia get?

The Manyara tilapia grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Manyara tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Manyara tilapia is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Manyara-tilapia sourced
English name
Manyara tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Oreochromis amphimelas
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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