| Oreochromis placidus | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Oreochromis |
| Species: | O. placidus |
| Binomial name | |
| Oreochromis placidus Trewavas, 1941 | |
The black tilapia (Oreochromis placidus) is a freshwater species of fish of the genus Oreochromis, found in the wide region of Southern Africa. It is a edible tropical fish. [2]
The black tilapia can grow to the recorded maximum length of 35.5 cm (14 inches). [3] The fish is silvery to steel-grey, with white abdomen. There is a red or orange margin on the dorsal and grey or black marblings on the gill-cover. [4] The species are only reported to be found in fresh water at low altitudes and latitudes which suggests its relatively low salinity and temperature tolerances. [5]
The species are mainly found in the lower Zambezi river and other rivers southwards such as Runde, Pungwe, Rovuma and Buzi river. [6] It is also found in the lakes nearby. [7]