Otjikoto tilapia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Otjikoto tilapia
Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Tilapia
Species:	T. guinasana
Binomial name
Tilapia guinasana Trewavas, 1936
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The Otjikoto tilapia (Tilapia guinasana) is a special type of cichlid fish. It is critically endangered, meaning it is at high risk of disappearing forever. This fish is endemic to Namibia, which means it naturally lives only in that country.

Originally, these fish were found only in Lake Guinas. This lake is a very small sinkhole with clear water. The water temperature usually stays between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius (64-77°F). Otjikoto tilapias have been seen living as deep as 67 meters (220 feet) in the lake.

Even though its name comes from nearby Lake Otjikoto, this fish is not originally from there. It was introduced to Lake Otjikoto by people. You might also find this fish in aquariums, but it is quite rare. Some people in southern Africa keep them in garden ponds too.

Behavior and Diet

Otjikoto tilapias usually swim together in groups called shoals. This helps them stay safe from predators. They are active fish that enjoy moving around in their clear lake home.

These fish are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their main food source is algae, including tiny plant-like organisms called diatoms. However, they are also opportunistic, which means they will eat other small creatures like invertebrates if they get the chance.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

When it's time to breed, Otjikoto tilapia pairs separate from their shoals. They find narrow ledges along the vertical cliff edges of the lake. These ledges become their special breeding spots.

After the eggs are laid, both parents work together to protect them. They also guard their young fish very aggressively. This strong parental care helps the baby fish survive in the lake.

Appearance and Unique Colors

The Otjikoto tilapia can grow up to 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long. This makes them a medium-sized fish. Their appearance can change quite a bit, especially their colors.

When they are breeding, the lower part of their bodies turns black. At other times, their colors vary a lot. There are five main color types, called morphs, and both male and female fish can have any of these colors.

The five main color types are:

• Olive
• Olive striped
• Dark blue
• Blue striped
• Light blue

The light blue type is very changeable. It might have some white, yellow, or black blotches on its body. Some pale fish have a very mottled (spotty) look. Because of this, they are sometimes nicknamed African koi or Nguni fish.

These different color types are not usually seen in the fish that were introduced to Lake Otjikoto. The Otjikoto tilapia is very closely related to the banded tilapia (T. sparrmanii). These two species can even interbreed (have babies together).