Fin's Fish Guide
The Redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Fresh and brackish water of Africa and the Near East, in lakes, rivers, swamps and lagoons; tolerates brackish water and is widely introduced elsewhere.
Description
The redbelly tilapia is a robust cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 40 cm. The deep body bears dark cross-bands and, in breeding fish, a striking red breast and belly. 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. It is mainly a plant-eater, feeding on water plants, algae and detritus. The species comes from the fresh and brackish water of Africa and the Near East and tolerates brackish water. Because of its plant diet it is stocked worldwide for fish farming and weed control, where it can become locally invasive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redbelly tilapia?
The Redbelly tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Sturdy cichlid with dark vertical bars and a red breast and belly in the spawning season; a plant-eater that guards the eggs as a parental pair.
Where does the Redbelly tilapia live?
The Redbelly tilapia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh and brackish water of Africa and the Near East, in lakes, rivers, swamps and lagoons; tolerates brackish water and is widely introduced elsewhere.
How big does the Redbelly tilapia get?
The Redbelly tilapia grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Redbelly tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Redbelly tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Redbelly tilapia edible?
Yes, the Redbelly tilapia is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Coptodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Redbelly tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redbelly tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.