Mozambique Tilapia

 

Common Name(s): Mozambique Tilapia, Common Tilapia
Scientific Name: Oreochromis Mossambicus
Local Name(s): [Hk]Jip Puun Heurr
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

This is one of the most common cichlid in Singapore, better known as the 'Japanese fish' because they were introduced by Japanese during World War II as a food source. The fish originates from East Africa. Locally, they can be found from reservoirs to shallow stream and adapt well to fresh and brackish waters. This cichlid can be found swimming in groups but will isolate to a pair during mating. The male will dig a hole at the bed of a stream and courts the female.

One of the best bait to catch this tilapia is probably earthworms. They are easier to catch when in group, and will fight for the very last piece of worm. During mating however, they seem uninterested in feeding