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Bermin tilapia (Coptodon bemini) — Cichlidae

Bermin tilapia

Coptodon bemini
Family: Cichlidae
CR · Critically Endangered

The Bermin tilapia (Coptodon bemini) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Bermin tilapia is a cichlid (Cichlidae) found only in the crater lake Bermin in Cameroon in West Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, green-brown body with dark tints. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it grazes algae, biofilm and detritus and snaps small invertebrates. It is a parental brooder that makes a nest pit and defends the young. Through its extremely small range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bermin tilapia?

The Bermin tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Bermin tilapia live?

The Bermin tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bermin tilapia get?

The Bermin tilapia grows to a maximum of about 7 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.

Is the Bermin tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Bermin tilapia is harmless to humans.

Is the Bermin tilapia edible?

The Bermin tilapia is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bermin-tilapia sourced
English name
Bermin tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Coptodon bemini
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.7 verified
Average length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coptodon

More from the family Cichlidae

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