Oreochromis placidus


The black tilapia is a freshwater species of fish of the genus Oreochromis, found in the wide region of Southern Africa. It is a edible tropical fish.

Description

The black tilapia can grow to the recorded maximum length of 35.5 cm. The fish is silvery to steel-grey, with white abdomen. There is a red or orange margin on the dorsal and grey or black marblings on the gill-cover. The species are only reported to be found in fresh water at low altitudes and latitudes which suggests its relatively low salinity and temperature tolerances.

Distribution

The species are mainly found in the lower Zambezi river and other rivers southwards such as Runde, Pungwe, Rovuma and Buzi river. It is also found in the lakes nearby.