Points

10

per confirmed sighting

Freshwater fishConservation status: VulnerableCommon to spot
freshwater fish • Cichlidae

Mozambique Tilapia.

M

Oreochromis mossambicus

A widespread cichlid of lowveld rivers and estuaries, and a mouthbrooding parent.

Category

freshwater fish

Family

Cichlidae

Size

20–35 cm, up to 1.1 kg

Points

10 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding mozambique tilapia in its natural range.

Overview

A widespread cichlid of lowveld rivers and estuaries, and a mouthbrooding parent.

How to identify it

Deep body, olive to bronze flanks; breeding males darken with red-edged fins.

Habitat

Highly tolerant freshwater/brackish species occupying rivers, lakes, impoundments and other warm waters.

Diet

Algae, detritus and small invertebrates

Behaviour

—

When to look

Mainly diurnal in FishBase ecological summaries.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambique
  • Kruger National ParkZA
  • Gorongosa National ParkMZ

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a vehicle or a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.