Blackchin Tilapia

About

Found along the coastal river systems, estuaries, and lagoons of northwestern Africa, this blackchin tilapia relative, Sarotherodon melanotheron melanotheron, is one of five recognized subspecies in its group and has been widely introduced for aquaculture across Asia, Europe, and parts of the United States. Outside of breeding season it is a reasonably sociable fish that naturally occurs in schools and can be housed with other robust tankmates. Similarly sized African cichlids, loricariid catfish, or Synodontis species work well. Small fish, however, will be viewed as food. The real personality shift happens when spawning begins. Courtship is an elaborate affair initiated by the female, who starts digging a pit in the substrate before the male joins in. Once eggs are laid, the male fertilizes and then broods the entire clutch in his mouth for two to three weeks without the female's involvement. A classic example of paternal mouthbrooding. During this period his territorial behavior becomes noticeably intense, so tank space matters. A sand or fine gravel bottom suits this species well. The fry are a decent size when released and can take small live or frozen foods right away. Overall this is an intermediate-level cichlid that rewards patient keepers willing to observe its genuinely fascinating reproductive behavior.