Oreochromis tanganicae

Tanganyikan Tilapia

Classification

Cichlidae

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Habitat

It inhabits the mouths of rivers and shorelines of the lake.

Maximum Standard Length

16.8″ (42cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

80″ x 24″ x 24″ (210cm x 60cm x 60cm) – 760 litres for adult fish. Juveniles can be grown on in smaller aquaria.

Maintenance

Not critical. A sandy substrate is best. Plants should not be used as they will be eaten and a large, efficient filtration system is essential as this species is very messy. Otherwise, decor is down to personal preference.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

pH: 7.5-9.0

Hardness: 8-25°H

Diet

Very unfussy and will eat most foods offered. Some vegetable matter should be included in the diet.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

It is not particularly aggressive with anything too large to fit in its mouth but the choices are fairly limited. We suggest keeping it alone but tankmates could include Aristochomis, Boulengerochromis or large mbuna. Larger Central American cichlids are also a possiblity as they like similar water conditions but care must be taken when selecting species and a very large tank would be required. Most aquaria are not large enough to support more than one male of this species, as they are territorial but several females can be kept with a single male.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are larger and more colourful than females. They also develop longer dorsal and anal fins as they mature.

Reproduction

Not known to have been achieved in aquaria. Maternal mouthbrooder. In nature the fish breed around sandy beaches, most likely in a similar fashion to some other large Oreochromis species such as O. mossambicus and O. niloticus. It is known that male fish play no part in broodcare but the female is a very good mother, defending the brood for several weeks after they become free swimming.

NotesTop ↑

This large Tanganyikan species is not seen very often in the hobby. It is often seen in shoals in nature, where it appears to feed primarily on phytoplankton. An adult male would make a truly stunning specimen fish.