Oreochromis niloticus

21. June 2016

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There is most probably no other species of fish that is so much loved on the one hand and so much hated on the other: the Nile Mouthbrooder, often called simply „Tilapia“. As a food fish this omnivorous species – plant matter forms a large part of the diet – can be cultured even in the poorest countries of the tropics. Here the Tilapia changes worthless stuff in precious fish protein. But specimens that escaped in the wild or that were released became worldwide the most serious alien pest species of freshwater fish at all.

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Oreochromis niloticus is only very rarely kept in private aquaria. The fish can grow to a maximum size of about 50 cm, but is mature already at a size of 6-8 cm. It is a maternal mouthbrooder. Currently we can offer nice, 6-8 cm long specimens that were bred by European aquarists.

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For our customers: the fish have code 555503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer