2020/01/10
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Database
Hong Kong Biodiversity Database
General
Conservation
Distribution
Photo Gallery
References
General Information
Oreochromis mossambicus
Mozambique tilapia
Animal Group:
Freshwater Fish
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Perciformes
Family:
Cichlidae
Other Common Name(s):
African mouth-brooder , Moxambique mouthbrooder
Description:
The fish has a high-backed and laterally compressed body with a long dorsal fin stretching backwards almost to its caudal fin. The anterior portion of dorsal fin is heavily spined. The female and non-breeding male are silver colored marked with 2 to 5 midlateral blotches. Breeding male has a distinct black coloration with white on the lower part of its head and slightly red on the margins of its dorsal and caudal fins. The fish has a strong adaptability and grows quickly; they may compete with indigenous fish for food and habitats.
Conservation Status
AFCD Assessment
Common
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Status
Vulnerable
Distribution
Distribution in Hong Kong
Widespread in brackish waters, freshwater ponds, ditches, rivers and reservoirs. The fish is also cultivated in some local fish farms.
Global Distribution
Native to eastern coast of Africa and Middle East but has been introduced throughout the world for culturing.
Photo Gallery
No more photo available
References
More on Freshwater Fish in HK
Lam, K. S. (2002).
Freshwater Fish in Hong Kong.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong.
Lee, V. L. F., Lam, S. K. S., Ng, F. K. Y., Chan, T. K. T. and Young, M. L. C. (2004).
Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong
