Edit Oreochromis mossambicus
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Name
Scientific name
Oreochromis mossambicus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Mozambique Mouthbrooder
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The Mozambique mouthbrooder, Oreochromis mossambicus, is a cichlid native to the East African coast and one of the most invasive fish in th…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
390mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 210 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 21–27°C, pH 6.2–8.5
Hardness
10–30dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Not recorded
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Native to the East African coast, specifically Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi. However, escaped populations now exist in over 90…
Habitat
An incredibly adaptable species that is found in rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and coastal plains in it's native range. It occurs in both fresh and brackish wa…
Aquarium size
210 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm - ~756 litres for adult fish. Juveniles can be grown on in smaller aquaria.
Maintenance
Not critical. A sandy substrate is best. Plants should not be used, as they will be eaten. A large, efficient filtration system is essential as this species is…
Water conditions
Temperature: 21 – 27 °C pH: 6.2-8.5 Hardness: 10-30°H
Diet
Very unfussy and will eat most foods offered. Some vegetable matter should be included in the diet.
Behaviour and compatibility
A very robust species that is territorial when spawning but is otherwise quite peaceful. Obviously, an enormous tank is needed to keep it in a community situat…
Sexual dimorphism
In the natural form, males take on heightened colours during spawning and mature males often have a thicker upper lip and dorsal fin. Males also tend to be sli…
Reproduction
Easy. Maternal mouthbrooder. We recommend the purchase of 5 or 6 youngsters and allowing them to pair up naturally. Obviously, a massive tank is required but w…
Notes
One of the most invasive fish species in the world, O. mossambicus is one of the species farmed for supermarkets and restaurants across the globe. Several colo…
References
References
No references