Oreochromis mossambicus, commonly known as the Mozambique tilapia, blue or Kurper bream, and by many other common names, is a cichlid fish native to southern Africa. Because of its success as a food fish bred through aquaculture, O. mossambicus has been spread to tropical and subtropical countries around the world. This hardy fish tolerates wide water temperatures, has a broad, omnivorous diet, rears easily and its firm texture and mild taste make it very popular for eating. The Mozambique tilapia breeds quickly and is fecund; females protect and transport their young by mouthbrooding. Because it easily establishes itself outside of its native range O. mossambicus has become an impossible to irradicate invasive pest in many countries, damaging ecosystems and biodiversity and threatening native fish (for example the striped mullet Mugil cephalus in Hawai’i and the endangered desert pupfish Cyprinodon macularius in California’s Salton Sea. Oreochromis mossambicus (along with closely the related O. aureus, with which O. mossambicus easily hybridizes) is on the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species put out by the Invasive Species Specialist Group. (Global Invasive Species Database, Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG); Nico 2012; Wikipedia 2011)

Adults thrive in standing waters (Ref. 7248, 12501). Inhabit reservoirs, rivers, creeks, drains, swamps and tidal creeks; commonly over mud bottoms, often in well-vegetated areas (Ref. 44894). Also found in warm weedy pools of sluggish streams, canals, and ponds (Ref. 5723). Most common in blind estuaries and coastal lakes (Ref. 32693), but usually absent from permanently open estuaries and open sea (Ref. 6465) and from fast-flowing waters (Ref. 7248, 12501). Normally not found at high altitudes (Ref. 6465). Able to survive extreme reduction of temporary water bodies (Ref. 2, 27445). Highly euryhaline (Ref. 2, 3, 23, 58, 61, 6465, 12501, 12522, 12524, 13337, 27445, 55352). Grow and reproduce in fresh-, brackish and seawater (Ref. 2, 21, 23, 61, 5214, 27445, 36683, 54362). Can be reared under hyper-saline conditions (Ref. 4537, 44894, 52307). Tolerate low dissolved oxygen levels (Ref. 3, 23, 6465) and can utilise atmospheric oxygen when water oxygen levels drop (Ref. 61, 6465). Mainly diurnal. May form schools (Ref. 3, 4537, 44894). Omnivorous (Ref. 21, 12524), feed mainly on algae and phytoplankton (Ref. 4537, 7248, 12501, 12522, 12524, 13337, 36683, 44894, 52307) but also take some zooplankton, small insects and their larvae (Ref. 4537, 7248, 12524, 13337, 44894, 52307), shrimps (Ref. 12524, 13337), earthworms (Ref. 12501) and aquatic macrophytes (Ref. 6465). Juveniles carnivorous/omnivorous, adults tend to be herbivorous or detritus feeders (Ref. 2, 6465, 13517). Large individuals have been reported to prey on small fishes (Ref. 2, 6465, 12501, 12522), and occasionally cannibalise their own young (Ref. 2, 6465). Exhibit considerable plasticity in their feeding habits (Ref. 6465, 13544) as well as in their reproductive biology (Ref. 13544). Polygamous (Ref. 12524, 13337), maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 1, 5214, 12524, 13337). Reach sexual maturity at 15 centimeter length (Ref. 44894), but stunted fish may breed at 6-7 centimeters and at an age of just over 2 months (Ref. 52307). Fecundity high (Ref. 55352). Extended temperature range 8-42 °C, natural temperature range 17-35°C (Ref. 3), with salinity-dependent difference in temperature tolerance (Ref. 2, 23). Somewhat aggressive toward other species (Ref. 36683). Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 9987). Excellent palatability (Ref. 6465), with small head and large dress-out weight (Ref. 61), and filets without small bones (Ref. 57960). Used extensively in biological, physiological and behavioural research (Ref. 7248). Translocated and introduced for aquaculture, sport fishing, stocking man-made lakes and biological control of nuisance plants and animals (Ref. 6465). Eurytopic; a most successful and vagile invader (Ref. 6465).

The Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, is native to Africa but has been introduced to Florida and elsewhere as well.Individuals collected in their native range typically reach 380 mm SL (standard length, measured from the snout to the caudal peduncle), while animals collected elsewhere (e.g., the Gulf of Mexico) may reach only around 220 mm. Males grow slightly larger than females. Females and non-breeding males are mainly silver in color with 2-5 blotches along the midline and occasionally the dorsal fin. Breeding males are black with whiteMozambique tilapia have 28-31 vertebrae and 14-20 lower gill rakers. The spine/ray count is: Dorsal = XV-XVII + 26-29; Anal = III=iV + 9-10. (GSMFC, Texas State University).

Africa: Lower Zambezi, Lower Shiré and coastal plains from Zambezi delta to Algoa Bay. Occurs southwards to the Brak River in the eastern Cape and in the Transvaal in the Limpopo system (Ref. 6465). Widely introduced for aquaculture, but escaped and established itself in the wild in many countries, often outcompeting local species (Ref. 12217). Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Lower Zambezi, Lower Shire and coastal plains from Zambezi delta to Algoa Bay. Occurs southwards to the Bushmans River in the eastern Cape and in the Transvaal in the Limpopo system (Skelton 2001). Widely dispersed beyond this range to inland regions and to the south west and west coastal rivers including the lower Orange and rivers of Namibia. Introduced to tropical and warm temperate localities throughout the world.

Madagascar, Mozambique

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

United States

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: Native to tropical and subtropical Africa (Fuller et al. 1999). Established or locally established in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, and Texas (now hybridized with blue tilapia, R. G. Howells, pers. comm., 2003); formerly established in additional states and reported from others (Fuller et al. 1999).

In their native range along the eastern coast of Africa, Oreochromis mossambicus occurs in riverine and coastal lagoon habitats. The species was introduced to the U.S. by the aquarium and aquacultures trades and were released either accidentally or intentionally into waterways of Texas, Florida and Alabama (Brown 1961, Courtney et al. 1974, Bruton and Bolt 1975, Whiteside 1975, Lee et al. 1980). Riedel and Costa-Pierce (2005), describe the existence of a large southern California population of O. mossambicus within the Salton Sea and known locally as Salton Sea tilapia.Centers of abundance in Florida include Dade, Brevard, Indian River, and Hillsborough counties, and Courtney et al. (1974) suggest each of these represents an independent introduction event. Within the India River Lagoon region, Mozambique tilapia have been found in the Brevard and Indian River counties. Courtney, et al. (1974), cites these as the result of distinct introductions events.

Southern Africa; Introduced widely elsewhere.

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 12; Vertebrae: 28 - 31

Maximum size: 390 mm SL

39.0 cm SL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 21)); max. published weight: 1,130 g (Ref. 40637); max. reported age: 11 years (Ref. 164)

Length: 36 cm

The maximum size of the Oreochromis mossambicus tends to vary based on its geographical location. Collections from within the native range indicate a maximum size of around 430 mm, while animals in the Gulf of Mexico measured a maximum of 360mm (Bruton and Allanson 1974, Lee et al, 1980).O. mossambicus are long-lived surviving to approximately 11 years (Boschung and Mayden 2004, Fryer and Illes 1972).

Diagnosis: snout long; forehead with relatively large scales, starting with 2 scales between the eyes followed by 9 scales up to the dorsal fin (Ref. 3058, 3060). Adult males develop a pointed, duckbill-like snout (Ref. 52307) due to enlarged jaws, often causing the upper profile to become concave (Ref. 2, 7248, 12524, 13337, 52307), but upper profile convex in smaller specimens (Ref. 1870, 6460). Pharyngeal teeth very fine, the dentigerous area with narrow lobes, the blade in adults longer than dentigerous area; 28-31 vertebrae; 3 anal spines; 14-20 lower gill-rakers; genital papilla of males simple or with a shallow distal notch; caudal fin not densely scaled; female and non-breeding male silvery with 2-5 mid-lateral blotches and some of a more dorsal series; breeding male black with white lower parts of head and red margins to dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 2). Description: moderately deep-bodied (Ref. 7248, 52307), but very variable according to food availability (Ref. 5214). Head profile straight in juveniles and females (Ref. 7248). Mouth large (Ref. 1870, 2989, 53262, 52307, 54167). Lower jaw prominent; lips thick (Ref. 3058, 3060). Maxillary ending between nostril and eye in females and immature males (Ref. 2), in breeding males (Ref. 2) mouth reaching to below anterior border of eye (Ref. 1870, 2989, 53262, 54167, 54759) or a little beyond (Ref. 1870, 2989, 53262, 54167). Eye with yellow ring around pupil (Ref. 57960). Otoliths: sulcus with nearly straight crista inferior at the transition between ostium and cauda (thus no ventralward widening of the ostium is present) (Ref. 56279). 2-3 series of scales on cheek (Ref. 2, 552, 1870, 2989, 3058, 3060, 6460, 53262, 54167). Scales cycloid (Ref. 1870, 2989, 3058, 4904, 5728, 53262, 54167). Scales on belly small, breast scales even smaller (Ref. 3058). Large scales on opercle (Ref. 1870, 53262), in 3 rows (Ref. 54759). 17-23 scales in upper part of lateral line, 10-17 in lower part (Ref. 1870, 2989, 3058, 54167). 9-12 predorsal scales (Ref. 57928). 15 precaudal vertebrae; 15-16 caudal vertebrae; 12-13 pairs of pleural ribs; 2 pairs of epineurals; 6 pairs of epipleurals; ventral vertebral apothysis on third vertebra (Ref. 57928). Gill-rakers short (Ref. 1870, 2989, 5214, 6465, 12524, 13337, 54167) and thick (Ref. 54167). Dorsal fin spines subequal from the sixth; dorsal soft rays a little longer than longest spines (Ref. 54167). Last dorsal spine the longest (Ref. 1870, 54167). Soft part of dorsal and anal fin long and pointed (Ref. 1870, 3058, 3060, 4904, 53262), especially in males (Ref. 44586). Dorsal fin with 25-28 pterygiophores (Ref. 57928). Pectoral fin (nearly) as long as head (Ref. 1870, 2989, 53262, 54167), pointed (Ref. 1870, 6460, 53262, 54759), reaching to vent (Ref. 6460, 54167) or to a little beyond origin of anal fin (Ref. 1870, 2989, 53262, 54167, 54759). 4-6 scales between bases of pectoral and pelvic fins (Ref. 2). Anal fin with 11-12 pterygiophores (Ref. 57928). Outer rays of pelvic fins slightly produced, reaching to vent (Ref. 1870, 54167) or beyond origin of anal (Ref. 1870, 2989). Caudal fin scaly in the basal half (Ref. 1870, 6460, 53262), the angles sometimes rounded (Ref. 2, 54167). Central caudal fin skeleton with 3 epurals, 5 hypurals and 2 pairs of uroneurals (Ref. 57928). No genital tassel (Ref. 55077). Coloration: basic melanin pattern of 2 horizontal and 6-7 vertical bars never fully realized; more commonly, at least in preserved specimens, females and sexually inactive males have no bands, but may have the intersection points of the facultative bands represented by 3-4 upper and 2-5 mid-lateral blotches, or some or all of these may be present (Ref. 2). Basic body coloration silvery grey (Ref. 2, 52307) to greenish grey, sometimes a more bluish colored head (Ref. 52307). Belly greyish (Ref. 4904, 5214, 54167). Spiny part of dorsal fin light with dark mottling (Ref. 3058). Soft dorsal and anal, and caudal and pelvic fins blackish (Ref. 2989, 3058, 3060, 54167). Pectoral fins colorless (Ref. 3058, 3060). Indistinct, dark opercular spot present (Ref. 1870, 2989, 3058, 3060, 53262, 54167, 54759). Vertical fins uniform (Ref. 54167), blackish with more or less distinct whitish spots(Ref. 552) or with large or small, fused or non-fused, dark spots on a pale background (Ref. 6460, 54167), given a darker aspect to these fins (Ref. 6460). 3 black blotches present in juveniles but possibly obscured in adults due to the dark body coloration of breeding males or old adults (Ref. 12524, 13337). Female and non-breeding male: dirty yellowish-olive (Ref. 12522) or silvery-gray, with 2-5 mid-lateral blotches and some of a more dorsal series (Ref. 2, 52307). Sometimes a series of more or less distinct spots along the side of the body above and below the upper lateral line (Ref. 54167). Breeding male: uniform dark olive-brown (Ref. 4904, 54167), deep blue-black (Ref. 2) or black, with white lower parts of head (Ref. 2, 4904, 7248, 54167), including throat, lower lips, lower parts of cheeks and opercles, but with a dark blue to black base to the throat (Ref. 12501, 52307), and red margins to dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 2, 7248, 12522, 12501, 12524, 13337, 52307). Dorsal fin with light coloured spots on membrane between spinous and soft rays (Ref. 12524, 13337). Caudal fin olive-green with light coloured spots on anterior section (Ref. 12524, 13337), but may sometimes appear totally red (Ref. 52307). Tip of dorsal and extremity of caudal lobes yellowish (Ref. 4904, 54167). Anal fin dark gray (Ref. 52307) or olive-green (Ref. 12524, 13337), sometimes with a thin red/orange margin (Ref. 12501, 12522, 12524, 13337, 52307). Unpaired fins normally exhibit greenish to silvery iridescent dots (Ref. 52307). Pectoral fin rays red (Ref. 2). Pectoral and pelvic fins olive-yellow (Ref. 12524). Juveniles: body silvery (Ref. 2, 5214, 6465, 7248, 12524, 13337, 55020, 57960) or olive-brown, light on belly (Ref. 54167). Scales with dark outer edge (Ref. 54167). Usually 5-8 or more indistinct dark cross bars on body (Ref. 2, 6460, 7248, 39866, 54167, 55020), often in addition to the 2 series of blackish spots (Ref. 54167), but with no horizontal stripes (Ref. 2). Dark opercular spot (Ref. 6460, 54167), on posterior dorsal edge of operculum (Ref. 55020). Black spot at base of anterior rays of soft dorsal (Ref. 552, 54167) and 1-2 whitish spots enclosed by dark streaks (Ref. 54167). Oblique streaks (Ref. 6460) or translucent round spots (Ref. 55020) on soft dorsal. Anal dark at base with a light outer half (Ref. 54167), with oblique streaks (Ref. 6460). Caudal dark at base, light in centre, a black outer ridge (Ref. 54167), with 2-3 bars across the fin (Ref. 6460). Tilapia-spot present (Ref. 2, 5214, 6465, 12501), conspicuous in younger fish persisting albeit faintly to 8cm (Ref. 55020). Fins flesh coloured (Ref. 12524, 13337), all except soft dorsal immaculate (Ref. 55020).

Occurs at temperatures ranging from 8°-42°C (Ref. 3). Lives in warm, weedy pools of sluggish streams, canals, and ponds (Ref. 5723). Is mainly diurnal. May form schools. Omnivorous, feeds on almost anything from algae to insects. Can be reared under hypersaline conditions (Ref. 4537). Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 9987).

The blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, and the blackchin tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron also occur as exotic species in Florida. They sre superficially quite similar to Oreochromis mossambicus, but species-specific markings (e.g., the black chin of S. melanotheron which O. aureus lacks) as well as differing spine/ray counts are sufficient to differentiate the species from one another.

This taxon is one of a number of benthopelagic species in the Zambezi River system of southern Africa. Benthopelagic river fish are found near the bottom of the water column, feeding on benthos and zooplankton

Nutrient levels in the Zambezi River are relatively low, especially in the upper Zambezi; in that reach, above Victoria Falls, most of the catchment drains Kalahari sands, whose nutrient levels are inherently low due to their aeolian formation; moreover, agricultural fertilizer addition throughout the Zambezi watershed is low, due to the shortage of capital available to farmers of this region.

Nitrate levels (as nitrogen) in the upper Zambezi are typically in the range of .01 to .03 milligrams per liter. Correspondingly electrical conductivity of the upper Zambezi is on the order of 75 micro-S per centimeter, due to the paucity of ion content. From the Luangwa River downstream nitrate levels elevate to .10 to .18 milligrams per liter, and electrical conductivity rises to a range of two to four times the upper Zambezi levels. Not surprisingly, pH, calcium ion concentration, bicarbonate and electrical conductivity are all higher in portions of the catchment where limestone soils predominate compared to granite.

There are a total of 190 known fish species present in the Zambezi River, including eel and shark taxa. The largest native benthopelagic fish in the Zambezi are the 170 cm North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), the 146 cm common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio), the 150 cm Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) and the introduced 120 cm rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

benthopelagic; amphidromous (Ref. 51243); freshwater; brackish; depth range 1 - 12 m (Ref. 57895)

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Freshwater

Depth range based on 8 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.2 - 2
  Temperature range (°C): 27.537 - 27.537
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.447 - 0.447
  Salinity (PPS): 34.880 - 34.880
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.613 - 4.613
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.121 - 0.121
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.033 - 2.033

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0.2 - 2
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Habitat Type: Freshwater

Comments: Generally in warm weedy ponds, canals, and river pools and backwaters. Able to live and reproduce in fresh water and sea water. Lower temperature tolerance about 11-12 C. Established in thermal springs and outflow in Idaho (Courtenay et al. 1987). Spawns over shallow pit in male's territory in shallow weedy waters; female goes into hiding while incubating eggs in her mouth (Moyle 1976).

Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).

Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Inhabits lower Zambezi, Limpopo and eastern rivers southwards. Prefers sheltered banks provided with vegetation. The adult tilapia mainly occupy deeper terraces which surround the lake at high-water levels. Feeds on detritus, plankton, and algae (Ref. 11889). Small fish fed initially on zoobenthos and zooplankton, but fish with a mass of over 4 g fed increasingly on Microcystis aeruginosa and detritus (Ref. 43783). Increased in rainfall improved the quality of diet, as level of protein, energy and organic matter in the diet increased in quantity (Ref. 52847).

Comments: Nonselective omnivore; eats planktonic algae, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fishes (Moyle 1976).

Oreochromis mossambicus are generalist/opportunistic omnivores that consume detrital material, vegetation ranging from diatoms to macroalgae to rooted plants, invertebrates, and small fish (Bowen 1979, Mook 1983, Trewevas 1983). Diets differ depending on location-specific resource availability. De Silva et al. (1984) report O. mossambicus populations in different lakes ate different diets and trophic strategies ranged from detritivory, to herbivory, to near-exclusive carnivory with individuals preying on small fish and invertebrates.

Oreochromis mossambicus co-occurs with a number of other non-native tilapia species in Florida. Possible hybridization between Mozambique tilapia and blue tilapia (O. aureus) has been reported in Florida, e.g., in Dade County drainage canals (Shafland 1996).Invasion History: Oreochromis mossambicus have been both intentionally and accidentally released to many non-native areas worldwide in a variety of ways and for a number of reasons. Intentional release has often been for purposes of plant or pest (e.g., mosquito) control, although Moyle (1976) notes that population densities often failed to grow large enough to effectively control insect or plant populations. Intentional release has also occurred in attempts to establish populations to be utilized as sportfish, bait fish, or commercial stocks, while accidental release has occurred at a number of hatcheries, fish farms, aquariums and zoos (Shapovalov et al. 1981, Dial and Wainright 1983, Grabowski et al. 1984, Courtenay and Stauffer 1990).In Florida, O. mossambicus was first introduced into Dade County during the 1960s where it first became established (Hogg 1976, Courtenay and Stauffer 1990). The species was introduced into the Indian River Lagoon basin either as releases or escapes from fish farms or aquarium owners (Courtenay et al. 1974, Dial and Wainright 1983). Courtney et al. (1984) reported the probable release of the fish in the IRL watershed by a developer to control plant growth.O. mossambicus individuals have been collected in Everglades National Park and have been reported as present within the greater Everglades drainage (Tilmant 1999, Nico 2006).Nico (2006) reports that O. mossambicus is established or locally established in seven states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, and Texas) and formerly locally established but no longer extant in Georgia, Montana, and North Carolina. The author also and reports O. mossambicus from Alabama, Illinois, and New York, but they appear to not be established there.Costa-Pierce (2003) suggests that the mouth-brooding maternal habit of the species is important as a mechanism of dispersal and establishment for founder populations of O. mossambicus. Potential to Compete With Natives: Oreochromis mossambicus pose threats to local native populations through competition for food and nesting space (Courtenay et al. 1974). This interaction may reduce the biodiversity of the native fishery due to reduction of food availability and/or by the native fish being eaten as prey (Neil 1966, Bruton and Boltt 1975). In Hawaii, striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) are threatened because of the introduction of this species. Mozambique tilapia may also be responsible for the decline of the desert pupfish, Cyprinodon macularius, in California's Salton Sea (Courtenay and Robins 1989, Swift et al. 1993).Courtenay (1989) predicts that the Mozambique tilapia could eventually become established within the Florida Everglades, with potentially devastating effects.Oreochromis mossambicus has been nominated by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) as among "100 of the World's Worst" invasive alien species. Possible Economic Consequences of Invasion: Mozambique tilapia are hardy individuals that are easy to grow, which makes them an ideal aquaculture species. Tilapia have a mild, white flesh that appeals to consumers, making them economically important food fish. This species contributes about 4% of the total tilapia aquaculture production worldwide, and is valued more when used for hybridization (Gupta and Acosta 2004). However, because of this hardiness, they can out-compete native species when released into the natural environment. This may displaces or eliminate native species.

Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia mossambica) preys on:
detritus
Bacillariophyceae

Based on studies in:
USA: Hawaii (Swamp)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

White spot Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Velvet Disease 2 (Piscinoodinium sp.). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Turbidity of the Skin (Freshwater fish). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Trichodinosis. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Trichodinella Infection 1. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Trichodina Infection 5. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Trichodina Infection 1. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Transversotrema Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Spinning Tilapia Syndrome. Viral diseases

Saccocoelioides Infection. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Rhabdochona Infestation 6. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Pentastoma Infection 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Orientocreadium Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Lernaea Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Ichthyophthirius Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Ichthyobodo Infection. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

HTRLO Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Goezia Disease 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Gnathostoma Infestation 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Gnathostoma Disease (larvae). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Fish Tuberculosis 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Fish Louse Infestation 3. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Fish louse Infestation 1. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

False Fungal Infection (Epistylis sp.). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Euclinostomum Infestation 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Epitheliocystis. Bacterial diseases

Edwardsiellosis. Bacterial diseases

Dolops Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Diplostomum Infection. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Dactylogyrus Gill Flukes Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Cryptobia Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Contracaecum Disease (larvae). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Cichlidogyrus Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Cichlidogyrus Infestation 4. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Amyloodinium Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Ambiphyra Infestation 2. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Specific abundance information relative to Oreochromis mossambicus in Florida is sparse, other than statements by authorities that the species is established in several counties and reported as occurring with unknown reproductive status in others.Dial and Wainright (1983) suggest that actual abundance of this species in Florida has been obscured by confusion of Mozambique tilapia and blackchin tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron, by commercial fishermen.

Spawns at the edge of the littoral terrace of lakes (Ref. 1, 2, 87, 6465), in sandy or muddy bottoms (Ref. 57425). Displays a lek mating system; territorial males establish breeding territories where they dig spawning pits, assume a dark coloration, defend a breeding territory and actively court females; sneaking males intrude into nests during a spawning episode, exhibiting quivering behavior which is usually an indicator of sperm release; sneaking is predominantly performed by subordinate males, which may adopt pseudo-female behavior (Ref. 57425). Only territorial males produce sounds, during all phases of courtship but especially during the late stages, including spawning (Ref. 49830). Territorial male excavates and defends a basin-shaped pit in the center of his territory, where female deposits 100-1700(1800) eggs (Ref. 44894, 52307). Eggs and milt are sucked up by the female (Ref. 2, 44894). Fertilization is reported to sometimes occur in the mouth of the female (Ref. 6028). Females incubate eggs alone (Ref. 12501, 52307). It is possible, albeit rare, that males take up some eggs after spawning (Ref. 2, 5726, 52307, 57895), but they almost always eat them soon after (Ref. 52307). Females school together while mouthbrooding (Ref. 40035), they cease to feed and subsist on food reserves stored in their body (Ref. 1). Females may spawn a full clutch with just one male, or may spawn with several different males in a series (Ref. 52307). Water is circulated over the eggs by chewing movements of the jaws (Ref. 12501, 12522). Fry hatch in the female's mouth after 3-5 days (Ref. 2, 12501, 12522, 44894, 52307), depending on the temperature (Ref. 52307). The young are released from the mouth in 10-14 days, but remain near the female and enter the mouth if threatened until about 3 weeks old (Ref. 2, 44894, 52307). Fry and juveniles shoal in shallow water (Ref. 6465, 7248, 57895) where they feed during the day, and retreat to deep water at night (Ref. 87, 6465). Females raise multiple broods during a season (Ref. 7248, 57895).

Spawns as long as water temperature is above 20 C; maternal mouthbrooder; eggs hatch and leave female's mouth in 11-12 days (Moyle 1976).

Female Oreochromis mossambicus mature at approximately 150-160 mm, and males mature at approximately 170-180 mm (Hodgkiss and Man 1978, Arthington and Milton 1986). Males construct nests in sparse to moderately vegetated bottoms where fertilization of the eggs takes place (Bruton and Bolt 1975). Several different females will lay eggs in the nest. Females can lay between 50-1,780 eggs, based on individuals' size and environmental conditions. (Trewevas 1983). Males are generally aggressive and ritualistic during reproductive season, although male-male confrontations rarely actually become violent (Bruton and Bolt 1975).

Once fertilized, the female Oreochromis mossambicus takes the eggs into her buccal cavity (mouth) and broods them until hatching. Hatching occurs in approximately 3-5 days. Once hatched, the females continue to mouth-brood the fry until they are approximately 14-21 days old. Male O. mossambicus are reported to occasionally mouth-brood eggs and fry as well (Bruton and Bolt 1975, Arthington and Milton 1986).

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.


There are 31 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.


Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 29
Specimens with Barcodes: 68
Species With Barcodes: 1

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Population

Population Trend

Near Threatened (NT)

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

fisheries: highly commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Comments: Formerly known as TILAPIA MOSSAMBICA (see Fuller et al. 1999). Placed in genus Sarotherodon by some authors.