Scientific Name
Oreochromis spilurus percivali
Common Name
Buffalo Springs tilapia
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 14 - 15;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 10-12;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 9 - 10;
Vertebrae: 28 - 29. Mouth wide; lips thick; jaws and pharyngeal bones stout, swollen and spongy in some specimens. Micro-branchiospines absent or reduced in the type locality. Scales usually in 2 rows on cheek. Females green darker on back, white on belly. Mature males rich brown to black, lighter on belly; lips enlarged, prominent and white; tail orange, with spots and vertical bars.