FreshwaterBrackish
Shire tilapia
Oreochromis shiranus
Cichlidae, Pseudocrenilabrinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 39 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 1,380 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
Found in very shallow waters around Lake Malawi that are densely vegetated, but also in lagoons. It can occur at temperatures ranging from 23.0-42.0 °C. It feeds on detritus and phytoplankton. A maternal mouthbrooder. A large species heavily exploited in Lake Nyasa [= Lake Malawi] and its catchment; males in particular are fast-growing and the species is cultured commercially in Malawi in cages and ponds.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Oreochromis shiranus chilwae
- Oreochromis shiranus shiranus
- Sarotherodon chilwae
- Sarotherodon shilwae
- Sarotherodon shiranus
- Sarotherodon shiranus chilwae
In other languages
- Chilwa tilapia, Tilapia shiranus
Articles
All articles
How to set up an African aquarium5 min read
Two completely different aquariums: forest rivers with soft, brown water, roots and leaves, and Rift Valley lake cichlids in hard, alkaline water with big rock piles.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.