Author: (Günther, 1894)
FBname: Tanganyika tilapia
Comments: It is the dominant tilapiine species in Lake Tanganyika, despite the presence of the normally invasive Nile tilapia (Ref. 118638). It is not normally found far up into inflowing rivers (Ref. 118638). It has been reported to browse the surface film of sheltered waters; stomachs contained large quantities of the diatoms <i>Pinnularia</i> and <i>Navicula</i> with some sand-grains (Ref. 2). A maternal mouthbrooder; males defend territories in shallow water in sheltered sandy or muddy areas, and dig simple pits in the substrate (Ref. 118638). A large fast-growing species well represented in fishery catches in and around Lake Tanganyika; currently being promoted as an aquaculture species and occasionally exported for the aquarium trade (Ref. 118638).