Oreochromis niloticus ( Nile tilapia)

(Source: Fishbase, 2020)

Scientific Name: Oreochromis niloticus

Common Name:  Nile tilapia

Genus: Oreochromis

Species: niloticus

Ijaw Name: -----

Family: Cichlidae

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Gear Type: -----

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Description: Oreochromis niloticus, commonly known as Nile tilapia, is a highly important fish in global aquaculture due to its fast growth and adaptability to various environments. It is predominantly herbivorous, feeding on algae, macrophytes, and diatoms, but may also consume insects and fish eggs. Nile tilapia is found in a wide variety of freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and irrigation channels, and it can tolerate brackish water, although it does not thrive in pure saltwater. This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, meaning that the females incubate the fertilized eggs in their mouths until the larvae are ready to swim freely. Sexual maturity is typically reached within 3 to 6 months, with females reaching maturity at around 11 cm and males at 14 cm in total length. Nile tilapia can reproduce multiple times a year, with several spawnings every 30 days. Introduced for aquaculture purposes, Nile tilapia has become invasive in some areas, competing with native species and even preying on amphibians and fish juveniles. In some regions, this species has been banned or strictly regulated due to its hybridization with other tilapia species, which complicates management efforts.