Fin's Fish Guide
The Tholloni tilapia (Coptodon tholloni) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa, in rivers, lagoons and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The tholloni tilapia is a sturdy cichlid of the family Cichlidae reaching about 22 cm. The laterally compressed body is greenish with a yellow cast and faint vertical bars, with spines in the dorsal fin. The species comes from fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa and lives in rivers, lagoons and swamps with abundant water plants. As an omnivore it eats algae, plant matter, detritus and small invertebrates. Unlike the mouthbrooding tilapias it is a substrate brooder: the parents lay the eggs on a cleaned surface and fiercely guard the brood and young. With its tasty flesh and hardy nature it is locally a valued food and aquaculture fish, stocked beyond its range for fish farming.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tholloni tilapia?
The Tholloni tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Sturdy West African tilapia with faint vertical bars; lays the eggs on a substrate and the parents guard the brood and the juveniles.
Where does the Tholloni tilapia live?
The Tholloni tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh and brackish water of West and Central Africa, in rivers, lagoons and swamps with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the Tholloni tilapia get?
The Tholloni tilapia grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Tholloni tilapia dangerous to humans?
No, the Tholloni tilapia is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tholloni tilapia edible?
Yes, the Tholloni tilapia is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Coptodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Tholloni tilapia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tholloni tilapia is one of 12,519 species in the app.