Banded tilapia

Introduction: The banded tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii) is a freshwater fish species with ecological and economic importance in its native regions.

Distribution: Native to various freshwater habitats across southern Africa, they are commonly found in the Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi, Orange River and Cuvelai Basin, where Namibia is concerned.

Diet: The banded tilapia is omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes algae, aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans.

Colouring: This species exhibits a distinct pattern of dark bands along its sides, which gives it its common name "banded tilapia." The body colouration can vary from olive-green to brown.

Reproduction: The banded tilapia males spread their milt over the cluster of eggs which is deposited on the bottom or even attached to the branches of aquatic weeds. Parents are known to guard the eggs. Eggs and fry may be moved into their mouths to alternative sites during hatching operations, but there is no evidence of actual mouth brooding.

Size: Adult Tilapia sparrmanii can reach lengths of up to 23.5 cm.