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Cameroon tilapia (Coptodon camerunensis) — Cichlidae

Cameroon tilapia

Coptodon camerunensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Cameroon tilapia (Coptodon camerunensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Cameroon tilapia is a cichlid endemic to the crater lake Barombi Mbo and adjacent fresh water in Cameroon, West Africa. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a deep, grey-green body with a few dark crossbars. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in the lake and bank zones and eats algae, small invertebrates, plant material and detritus. It is a substrate brooder. Through its restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cameroon tilapia?

The Cameroon tilapia has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Cameroon tilapia live?

The Cameroon tilapia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Cameroon tilapia get?

The Cameroon tilapia grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Cameroon tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Cameroon tilapia is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kameroen-tilapia sourced
English name
Cameroon tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Coptodon camerunensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.6 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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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