Author: (Lönnberg, 1903)
FBname: Blackfin tilapia
Comments: Occasionally forms schools; is mainly diurnal; juveniles feed on mayfly larvae and various terrestrial insects among a diet in which animal items formed a high proportion (Ref. 2). Adults feed predominantly on phytoplankton (Ref. 2, 52307). Congregates in small groups (under 10 individuals) in open water regions and at a maximum depth of about 5 m (Ref. 52307). Lacks marked sexual dichromatism when sexually active (Ref. 81260). Ovophilic, maternal mouth brooder (Ref. 52307) that forms temporary pair bonds (Ref. 81260) prior to spawning, but none after (Ref. 52307). Ventures to regions near the edges of the lake for spawning, where the male constructs craters in the sand; males infrequently incubate the eggs (Ref. 52307).