Author: (Boulenger, 1912)
FBname: Longfin tilapia
Remark: Status of and differences between <i>O. macrochir</i> and <i>O. mweruensis</i> are not clear; the latter is possibly restricted to Luapula/Lake Mweru/Congo basin and builds a star-shaped nest, in contrast to the more widespread <i>O. macrochir</i> which builds a volcano-shaped nest; origin (and identification) of introduced specimens is also unclear, but they mainly originate from Lake Mweru/Luapula (Ref. 88). See also Ref. 2, 33478, 55074.
Comments: Prefers quiet, deep water associated with aquatic vegetation, but has been collected in other habitats as well (Ref. 12524, 13337). Found at temperatures between 18 and 35°C (Ref. 54042). Has a very low salinity tolerance (Ref. 2, 58). Occasionally forms schools, is mainly diurnal (Ref. 2). Feeds mostly on detritus (Ref. 87, 7248, 44661, 52193, 52307, 56192), (blue-green) algae (Ref. 12524, 13337, 44661) and diatoms (Ref. 246, 7248, 12524, 13337, 52193). Juvenile also accepts small invertebrates and zooplankton (Ref. 7248, 52193, 52307), but lose this tendency with age (Ref. 52307). Maternal mouthbrooder (Ref. 87, 246, 314, 5214, 7248, 8600, 12524, 13337, 36094, 52193, 54042). Mating territory having a central volcano-shaped mound (Ref. 2, 246, 314, 5214, 12524, 55074) with a flat or slightly concave top, surrounded by a ditch and vallum, in contrast to <i>O. mweruensis</i> (Ref. 2). Flesh excellent (Ref. 5214).