Como identificar Mozambique Tilapia

Para identificar Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Adult males are typically darker, often blackish or dark olive-brown, with a reddish-orange margin on the dorsal and caudal fins, and a distinct black blotch on the operculum. Breeding males develop a bright red or orange throat and lower jaw. Females and non-breeding males are generally duller, silvery-grey to yellowish-brown, with irregular dark blotches or bars on the flanks. Juveniles are silvery with 6-8 vertical bars.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Large mouth with small, conical teeth arranged in several rows., Single, long dorsal fin with spiny and soft-rayed portions., Prominent black opercular spot (often with a red margin in males)., Caudal fin typically truncate to slightly emarginate, often with a reddish margin in males.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, long dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 10-13 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Nadadeira caudal

Caudal fin truncate to slightly emarginate, often with a reddish margin in breeding males.

Nadadeira peitoral

Paired pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins. Anal fin has 3 spines and 9-10 soft rays.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Opercular Spot

   Look for a distinct black spot on the operculum (gill cover), often with a reddish margin, especially in males.

2. 2

   Fin Coloration (Males)

   Breeding males exhibit bright red or orange margins on the dorsal and caudal fins, and a red throat/lower jaw.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Size

   Laterally compressed body, typically reaching 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in length and up to 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) in weight, though larger specimens have been recorded.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is interrupted, characteristic of cichlids, with an anterior upper portion and a posterior lower portion.

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