Author: (Boulenger, 1899)
FBname: Spotted tilapia
Comments: Live in still or flowing waters in rocky or mud-bottom areas (Ref. 44894). Occur in warm springs and mud-bottomed to sand-bottomed canals (Ref. 5723). Clearly prefers a herbivorous diet, including algae, higher plants and parts of cassava, but also accepts insects and shrimps (along with their eggs) (Ref. 52307). Consume plant matter. Reache sexual maturity at 10-15 centimeters length. Parents prepare nest site on logs, leaves and other debris. Prolific species (Ref. 52307). The eggs (600-3300 per female) are guarded by the parents and hatch in 1-3 days. Larvae need 6-8 additional days to develop before they can swim freely (Ref. 52307). Parental care of the brood continues until the fish are about (1.5 cm, Ref. 52307) 2.5-3.0 centimeters (Ref. 44894). Occurs in mixed groups composed of individuals of varying size/age, along with individuals of other species (Ref. 52307). Pair-bonding, open (Ref. 52307) substrate brooder (Ref. 52307, 81260) with both parents guarding the brood (Ref. 52307). Maximum size was recorded at 39.4 cm TL (Ref. 40637).