Jaguar Guapote
Parachromis managuensis
Blue Tilapia
Oreochromis aureus
About
The blue tilapia is a tough, adaptable cichlid that carries its young safely inside its mouth. Native to Africa and the Middle East, it has since spread to rivers and lakes around the world.
Also known as: israeli tilapia
Habitat
It lives in fresh and brackish water, from rivers and streams to lakes and ponds, and can even survive in water saltier than the sea. Native populations are found in West and North African rivers and the Jordan River in the Middle East, while introduced populations now live in parts of the Americas and Southeast Asia.
Did you know?
In Israel this fish is known as the Jordan St. Peter's fish, historically swimming down the Jordan River into the Sea of Galilee. It is black and grows larger than the paler tilapia species that share the same nickname.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
