Home · Cichlidae · Saka tilapia
Saka tilapia (Oreochromis saka) — Cichlidae

Saka tilapia

Oreochromis saka
Family: Cichlidae
VU · Vulnerable

The Saka tilapia (Oreochromis saka) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Saka tilapia is a cichlid (tilapia) from fresh and slightly brackish water of Lake Malawi and adjacent waters in East Africa. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a deep, grey-green to silvery body. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it grazes algae, plant material and detritus and eats small invertebrates. It is a mouthbrooder. Through habitat loss and competition from introduced species the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Saka tilapia?

The Saka tilapia has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Saka tilapia live?

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

How big does the Saka tilapia get?

The Saka tilapia grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Saka tilapia dangerous to humans?

No, the Saka tilapia is harmless to humans.

Is the Saka tilapia edible?

Yes, the Saka tilapia is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Saka-tilapia sourced
English name
Saka tilapia sourced
Scientific name
Oreochromis saka
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Tilapia sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Oreochromis

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →