Author: (Graham, 1928)
FBname: Singida tilapia
Comments: Occasionally forms schools (Ref. 2, 363, 36900), mainly diurnal (Ref. 2). Tolerant of low oxygen concentrations, less than 1 ppm, and high levels of carbon dioxide (Ref. 3, 52016). A plankton-feeder using the mucus-trap mechanism combined with the combing action of the pharyngeal teeth (Ref. 2); the species is non-selective, in the sense that all organisms of a size capable of being retained by these means are passed into the stomach, but it is selective in that the schools follow concentrations of diatoms in the lake (Ref. 2). Food consist almost entirely of phytoplankton (Ref. 3, 6316), mainly diatoms (Ref. 4903, 30832, 34291), but also higher plants, insects and their larvae, crustaceans and worms like <i>Tubifex</i> (Ref. 27292); insect larvae and planktonic crustaceans occur less frequently although they may contribute to the diet of young fishes (Ref. 4903, 34291). A maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 363, 4903, 12468, 27292, 34291, 54840, 118638); males make simple nests in shallow water (Ref. 118638). Ecologically, an offshore-living plankton feeder, which complemented the more inshore-living <i>Oreochromis variabilis</i> in the original ecosystem of Lake Victoria; these niches are now filled by the introduced <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> and <i>O. leucostictus</i> respectively (Ref. 118638). Was a major component of the fisheries catch in Lake Victoria; supports artisanal fisheries in satellite lakes of Lake Victoria and forms a large part of the catch in Lake Rukwa, Nyumba ya Mungu and the central Tanzania lakes (Ref. 118638). Excellent taste, firm meat and suitable for sundrying (Ref. 54860). IUCN conservation status is critically endangered (Ref. 118638).