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Fusiform tilapia (Coptodon fusiforme) — Cichlidae

Fusiform tilapia

Coptodon fusiforme
Family: Cichlidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Fusiform tilapia (Coptodon fusiforme) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The fusiform tilapia is a small cichlid from fresh water of West Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, flattened body adapted to life in flowing and still coastal water. It lives in rivers, pools and lagoons and grazes algae, aufwuchs and plant matter, supplemented with small invertebrates. As a caring parental fish it guards the eggs laid on stone and the young. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fusiform tilapia?

The Fusiform tilapia has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Fusiform tilapia live?

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

How big does the Fusiform tilapia get?

The Fusiform tilapia grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Fusiform tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Fusiform tilapia is harmless to humans.

Is the Fusiform tilapia edible?

The Fusiform tilapia is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Spoelvormige tilapia verified
English name
Fusiform tilapia verified
Scientific name
Coptodon fusiforme
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

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 sourced

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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