Scientific Name
Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron

Common Name
Blackchin tilapia

Biology
Primarily in estuaries and lagoons (Ref. 53405). Abundant in mangrove areas and venture in to both fresh and salt waters in native and non-native ranges (Ref. 46816). Forms schools; is mainly nocturnal with intermittent daytime feeding. Feeds on aufwuchs and detritus (Ref. 2), as well as on bivalves and zooplankton (Ref. 28587). Occurs in lower reaches of streams and can tolerate high salinity (Ref. 5723).

Classification

Classified By

R?ppell, 1852

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Cichlids (Cichlidae)

Distribution

Region

Africa

Distribution

Africa: Lagoons and estuaries from C?te d'Ivoire to Cameroon (Ref. 53405). Introduced to several countries in Asia, USA and Europe (Ref. 21). At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

18°N - 0°N

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

25 °C

Depth From - meters

3 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 demersal; depth range 3 - ? m (Ref. 5723)

Trophic Level

2.01 s.e. 0.03 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

28.0 cm

Common Length

17.5 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5001 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (17 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.16)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated