The Redbreast Tilapia

Range and Identity

Tilapia rendalli is retained as the original scientific string, while modern references use Coptodon rendalli. Native distribution includes several central and southern African river and lake systems. Introductions for aquaculture or vegetation control should remain separate from those native records.

Habitat and Behavior

Adults prefer quiet, well-vegetated river edges, backwaters, floodplains and swamps. They are mainly active by day and can form schools. Juveniles consume plankton, while larger fish eat leaves, stems, algae and detritus, with insects and crustaceans also recorded.

Food and Life History

Pairs spawn on the bottom and guard eggs and young. Nest form varies, including pits and locally more elaborate sheltered structures. Upper references are forty-five centimeters total length and 2.5 kilograms. A lake-specific nesting observation should not become a universal nest design.

All Lakes With Redbreast Tilapia

Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Redbreast Tilapia records in our database, listed alphabetically.

Showing 1–3 of 3 lakes · Page 1 of 1

• Hoʻomaluhia Reservoir Honolulu, HI
• Ipuolono Reservoir Kauai, HI
• Wailua Reservoir Kauai, HI