Oreochromis niloticus (Ornamental)

Oreochromis niloticus is the Nile Tilapia, one of the most economically important fish in the world and native to the Nile River system including the Lake Victoria basin where it was also introduced. The ornamental strain offered here has been selectively bred for enhanced colouration and is intended for aquarium display rather than food production, featuring more vivid gold, orange, and blue tones than wild-type fish.

Due to its potential adult size of up to 40 centimetres, this species is only suitable for very large aquariums of 500 litres or more. In large setups, it is a hardy, intelligent fish with recognisable individual personalities. Males are territorial during breeding, and the species is a maternal mouthbrooder — females incubate large clutches of eggs in the buccal cavity.

Given the ecological concerns surrounding tilapia introductions worldwide, ornamental tilapia should never be released into any natural waterway. They are best suited to species-only displays or very large mixed tilapia-species setups.

Water: 20-30°C, pH 6.5-8.5, very adaptable; large weekly water changes for large bioload. Tank: 500L minimum; open swimming space; robust filtration essential. Feeding: Omnivore; cichlid pellets, vegetable matter, lettuce, spirulina, frozen foods. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; large clutches; needs very large tank to breed safely. Compatibility: Large tilapia-only or very large African cichlid displays only; never release into the wild.