Tilapia sparrmanii, the banded tilapia, or vlei kurper, is a widespread and adaptable cichlid fish that is found in warmer freshwater habitats of southern Africa. They prefer water with ample plant cover, and occur naturally as far north as DR Congo and Tanzania. They have been introduced locally in the northern hemisphere. Younger banded tilapia feed on crustaceans and insect larvae, while the adults feed on terrestrial and aquatic plants and other debris. They undertake local migrations and may shoal before and during spawning time.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Banded Tilapia being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Coptodon zillii
- Australoheros facetus
- Cichlasoma dimerus
- Coptodon rendalli
- Hemichromis fasciatus
- Pseudocrenilabrus philander
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Tilapia
- Species
- Tilapia sparrmanii
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