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Roberts's tilapia (Tylochromis robertsi) — Cichlidae

Roberts's tilapia

Tylochromis robertsi
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Roberts's tilapia (Tylochromis robertsi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; rivers of the Congo basin.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Roberts's tilapia is an African cichlid from the Congo basin. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a stocky, silvery body with a continuous, spiny dorsal fin. As an opportunistic bottom feeder it eats mainly plants and insects and their larvae. The species is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and young in her mouth until they are independent. Tylochromis cichlids occur in rivers and estuaries; this species inhabits fresh water of the Congo basin. The species is harmless to humans and of limited fishery interest.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roberts's tilapia?

The Roberts's tilapia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Maternal mouthbrooder; opportunistic bottom feeder on plants and insects.

Where does the Roberts's tilapia live?

The Roberts's tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; rivers of the Congo basin.

How big does the Roberts's tilapia get?

The Roberts's tilapia grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Roberts's tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Roberts's tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Roberts's tilapia edible?

The Roberts's tilapia is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Roberts's tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Tylochromis robertsi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; rivers of the Congo basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Plants, insects and their larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Maternal mouthbrooder; opportunistic bottom feeder on plants and insects. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Tylochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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