Tilapia zillii (redbelly tilapia)
Datasheet Types: Invasive species, Host animal
Abstract
This datasheet on Tilapia zillii covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Identity
- Preferred Scientific Name
- Tilapia zillii (Gervais, 1848)
- Preferred Common Name
- redbelly tilapia
- Other Scientific Names
- Acerina zillei Gervais, 1848
- Acerina zillii Gervais, 1848
- Chromis andreae Günther, 1864
- Chromis caeruleomaculatus (Rochebrune, 1880)
- Chromis caeruleomaculatus Rochebrune, 1880
- Chromis coeruleomaculatus Rochebrune, 1880
- Chromis faidherbii Rochebrune, 1880
- Chromis melanopleura (Duméril, 1861)
- Chromis menzalensis Mitchell, 1895
- Chromis mossambicus (non Peters, 1852)
- Chromis niloticus (non Linnaeus, 1758)
- Chromis tristrami (Günther, 1859)
- Chromis zillii (Gervais, 1848)
- Coptodon zillei (Gervais, 1848)
- Coptodon zillii (Gervais, 1848)
- Coptodus zillei (Gervais, 1848)
- Coptodus zillii (Gervais, 1848)
- Glyphisidon zillei (Gervais, 1848)
- Glyphisidon zillii (Gervais, 1848)
- Haligenes tristrami Günther, 1860
- Sarotherodon zillei (Gervais, 1848)
- Sarotherodon zillii Günther, 1862
- Tilapia caeruleomaculatus (Rochebrune, 1880)
- Tilapia christyi (non Boulenger, 1915)
- Tilapia faidherbi (Rochebrune, 1880)
- Tilapia melanopleura Duméril, 1861
- Tilapia menzalensis (Mitchell, 1895)
- Tilapia multiradiata Holly, 1928
- Tilapia shariensis Fowler, 1949
- Tilapia sparrmani multiradiata (Holly, 1928)
- Tilapia sparrmanii (non Smith, 1840)
- Tilapia tristrami (Günther, 1859)
- Tilapia zillei (Gervais, 1848)
- Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848)
- International Common Names
- Englishcichlidmango fishSt. Peter’s fishzill's tilapia
- Spanishmojarramojarritatilapia
- Frenchpastenague boulée
- Local Common Names
- Algeriabalti zilliihaderitaferfara
- Australiazille’s cichlid
- Burkina Fasodisiwulentegr-pere
- Chadberebiarebieringguringsohntihil
- Côte d'Ivoiregbatchekedekpro ibreobrouyou
- Finlandpunavatsatilapia
- Germanyzilles buntbarsch
- Ghanaakpadi silaakpadi silaakpasilaakpasilaakpatsucichliddideemango fishsilla
- Israelamnun matzuiamnun matzui
- Japanjiru-tirapia
- Kenyakidokokinelorotongegeredbelly tilapiasilizill’s tilapia
- Mexicomojarramojarritatilapia
- Nigeriabuguepiafalgagaragazagargazaifunukarfasakarwampupatometsokungiukuobuwesafun
- Philippineszill’s tilapia
- Senegalnjabbpastenague bouléewaaswasswass gnoul
- Sierra Leonea-sannohgba gba ferahka-yainkainka-yalnkainngipiengorkeitha thompo
- Sudanbultikuda
- Tanzaniangegeperegesato
- Turkeytilapya
- UKredbelly tilapia
- USAredbelly tilapiazill’s tilapia
- Ugandaengegeengegeerihereisiswengege
Pictures
Adult
Tilapia zillii (redbelly tilapia); adult. Lake Köyceğiz, Muğla, Turkey. September, 2013.
©Ali Serhan Tarkan-2013
Summary of Invasiveness
Redbelly tilapia is a species of fish that has been introduced globally, mainly for aquaculture purposes or as a food fish. Native to Africa and southwest Asia, it is a highly successful species, capable of outcompeting both native and non-native species for food, habitat and spawning sites. Its ability to easily switch food sources allow for populations to continue to grow in the absence of a depleted food source (e.g. macrophytes in North Carolina). Redbelly tilapia may also compete with centrarchid fishes (sunfish) for nesting sites and through aggressive interactions it may alter the composition of fish communities. It is a voracious herbivore and may negatively impact plant density, decreasing abundance and altering the composition of native plants. This can then negatively affect native organisms that depend on such plants for spawning, protection or foraging (Spataru, 1978).
Specifically, redbelly tilapia is thought to have outcompeted or genetically subsumed two native species, Oreochromis variabilis and Oreochromis escuelentes. It is implicated with the decline of desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) in the Salton Sea and can also hybridize with introduced Tilapia species.
Taxonomic Tree
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Tilapia zillii was first described by Gervais in 1848 and was given many synonyms throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century. Some sources recognize Coptodon zillii as the accepted name for the species following a molecular phylogenetic study by Dunz and Schliewen (2013).
Description
Non-breeding individuals are dark olive on top and light olive to yellow-brown on the sides, often with an allochrous blue sheen. The chest is pinkish and lips are bright green. Breeding individuals are shiny dark green on the top and sides, red and black on the throat and belly, and have obvious vertical bands on the sides. Six to seven dark vertical bars cross two horizontal stripes on the body and caudal peduncle. Fins are olivaceous. They are covered in yellow spots with the dorsal and anal fins displaying an outline of a thin orange band. Caudal fins are often grey with pale interstices and dots covering the entire fin. Redbelly tilapia usually weigh 300 g and can be up to 40 cm in length with a total of 13 to 16 dorsal spines. Adults show a black spot outlined in yellow. Redbelly tilapia individuals that are from 2 to 14 cm standard length (SL) have an entirely yellow to grey caudal fin with no dots, developing a greyish caudal fin with dots with increasing size (Williams and Bonner, 2008; Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Pathogens Carried
Distribution
Its native range includes tropical and subtropical Africa, and southwest Asia (Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Its non-native distribution includes Antigua and Barbuda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guam, Iran, Japan, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, New Caledonia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Turkey, UK, USA, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and Thailand (Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Distribution Map
Distribution Table
History of Introduction and Spread
Redbelly tilapia was introduced to most locations by state agencies, private companies, universities or government based institutions; mainly for control of aquatic plants, mosquitoes, chrinomid midges, as forage or food fish or for aquaculture evaluation (Grabowoski et al., 1984; Courtenay and Robins, 1989). From the 1980s, it was often introduced as an aquaculture species, typically farmed in cages in open bodies of water. This has resulted in fish escapes when cages were damaged due to environmental forcing, such as storms, human actions, or hurricanes. There have been both authorized and illegal releases. For example, introductions into Dade County, Florida, probably resulted from escapes from nearby fish farms or aquarium releases (Hogg 1976a, b). Documented cases of redbelly tilapia introductions are usually reported because of both release and escape (ISSG, 2014).
Introductions
| Introduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reasons | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
| Antigua and Barbuda | 1943 | Yes | No | |||||
| Australia | North Africa | No | No | |||||
| China | Thailand | 1978 | No | No | ||||
| Egypt | Japan | 1962 | Yes | No | ||||
| Eritrea | Ethiopia | 1989 | Yes | No | ||||
| Ethiopia | Uganda | 1975 | Yes | No | ||||
| Guam | Hawaii | 1956 | Yes | No | ||||
| Hawaii | 1955 | Yes | No | |||||
| Hawaii | Fiji | 1957 | No | No | ||||
| Iran | Yes | No | ||||||
| Madagascar | Mauritius | 1956 | Yes | No | ||||
| Madagascar | Kenya | 1955 | Yes | No | ||||
| Malaysia | No | No | ||||||
| Mexico | USA | 1945 | Yes | No | ||||
| New Caledonia | Hawaii | 1954 | Yes | No | ||||
| Philippines | Israel | 1970 | Yes | No | ||||
| Russian Federation | No | No | ||||||
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | No | ||||||
| Singapore | No | No | ||||||
| Syria | Yes | No | ||||||
| Tanzania | 1965 | Yes | No | |||||
| Thailand | Malaysia | 1949 | Yes | No | ||||
| Turkey | 1995 | No | No | |||||
| UK | 1963 | Yes | No | |||||
| USA | 1960-1969 | Yes | No | |||||
Risk of Introduction
Throughout this species introduction, redbelly tilapia has been introduced into lakes, reservoirs and streams, predominantly as escapees and releases; however, its spread and colonization of new waters beyond the point of release or escape is of major concern. Therefore, accidental aquarium releases, stocking in open water and biocontrol all pose serious environmental risks. For example, its introduction into the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, as well as to many other areas of the USA is largely for aquatic weed control, to control noxious aquatic insects, and for culture as a food fish (Molnar, 2008), however there is a high risk to native fauna through eliminating native flora and through impacts on ecosystem functioning (Pelzman, 1973; Spataru, 1978).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Accidental Introduction
Accidental introductions have been reported via aquaculture, the aquarium, pet and water garden trade. Escapees from enclosed facilities (i.e. fish farms) are also common (Hogg 1976a, b; Courtenay et al., 1986; Crutchfiled, 1995).
Intentional Introduction
Intentional introductions have been done for the purposes of recreational stocking, aquaculture and biological control of weed, mosquitoes, and chironomid midges (Page and Burr, 1991; Molnar, 2008; Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Pathway Causes
| Pathway cause | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture (pathway cause) | Deliberate introduction | Yes | Yes | |
| Biological control (pathway cause) | Deliberate introduction | Yes | Yes | |
| Escape from confinement or garden escape (pathway cause) | Accidental introduction | Yes | Hogg (1976) | |
| Hunting, angling, sport or racing (pathway cause) | Deliberate introduction | Yes | Yes | |
| Intentional release (pathway cause) | Deliberate introduction | Yes | Yes | |
| Live food or feed trade (pathway cause) | Deliberate introduction | Yes | Yes | |
| Pet trade (pathway cause) | Accidental introduction | Yes | Yes | Hogg (1976) |
| Research (pathway cause) | Accidental introduction | Yes | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
| Pathway vector | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture stock (pathway vector) | All life stages | Yes | Yes | |
| Live seafood (pathway vector) | Adults | Yes | Yes | |
| Pets and aquarium species (pathway vector) | All life stages | Yes | Yes | Hogg (1976) |
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Cichlids are easily separated from the similar looking sunfishes and black basses (Lepomis and Micropterus; family Centrarchidae) by a single nostril opening on each side of the head (there are two in centrarchids) and the presence of a discontinuous or two-part lateral line (there is a continuous lateral line in centrarchids). Hybrids are frequently reported (Courtenay et al., 1984; Taylor et al., 1986; Howells, 1991) and identification of redbelly tilapia in the USA has been problematic. Therefore, some reports in the literature may be misidentifications (Lee et al., 1980).
Redbelly tilapia is almost identical to redbreast tilapia Tilapia rendalli hence many reports or specimens of redbelly tilapia may have been T. rendalli. Redbelly tilapia is also similar to another North American introduced cichlid, Tilapia mariae. However, T. mariae lacks the deep red ventral colouration present in redbelly tilapia, has lateral bars that extend onto the dorsal fin, and 5-6 square black blotches along the side, which is lacking in redbelly tilapia
Habitat
Redbelly tilapia can be found in lakes, water courses, wetlands, estuaries and marine habitats but it mostly occurs in freshwater and can occasionally be found in marine waters (Froese and Pauly, 2014). It occasionally forms in schools but is mainly diurnal. They prefer tropical environments with water temperatures of 25-30ºC, and optimal temperatures of 20-32ºC. However, it can tolerate temperatures between 11 and 36ºC, becoming lethargic and vulnerable to predators and disease below 16ºC (ISSG, 2014). It generally prefers shallow, vegetated areas in a tropical climate but will live over sand, mud, or rock; tolerating a pH range of 6-9 (Eccles, 1992). Fry are common in marginal vegetation and juveniles are found in the seasonal floodplain (Froese and Pauly, 2014). Sensitivity to salinity varies greatly, but it is able to tolerate salinity levels of up to 45 ppt (Costa-Pierce, 2003).
Habitat List
| Category | Sub category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brackish | Inland saline areas | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Natural | |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Cultivated / agricultural land | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Wetlands | Principal habitat | Natural |
| Littoral | Coastal areas | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Natural | |
| Freshwater | ||||
| Freshwater | Irrigation channels | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural | |
| Freshwater | Lakes | Principal habitat | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Freshwater | Lakes | Principal habitat | Natural | |
| Freshwater | Reservoirs | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Freshwater | Reservoirs | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural | |
| Freshwater | Rivers / streams | Principal habitat | Natural | |
| Freshwater | Ponds | Principal habitat | Natural | |
| Brackish | ||||
| Brackish | Estuaries | Present, no further details | Natural | |
| Marine | Inshore marine | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Marine | Inshore marine | Secondary/tolerated habitat | Natural |
Biology and Ecology
Genetics
Redbelly tilapia has a diploid (2n) chromosome number of 44 and haploid/gametic (n) of 22 (Klinkhardt and Greven, 1995). It is known to hybridize with other Tilapia species (Taylor et al., 1986).
Reproductive Biology
Redbelly tilapia is a substrate spawner (Bailey, 1994) and larvae develop in close association with substrate but it is not a mouth brooding fish like some other congeneric species. Redbelly tilapia form monogamous pairs and exhibit biparental guarding behaviour. Both parents help in nest building, constructing nesting depressions 20-25 cm in width and 5-8 cm in depth, often in bottoms with sand or pebbles and ample vegetation. Nests are primarily small, saucer-shaped depressions in the substrate, but show some variation in morphology depending on the environmental conditions (Bruton and Gophen, 1992). Breeding season is dependent on climate but usually they begin courtship and mate selection in waters above 20ºC. They can breed in warm and temperature-stable equatorial conditions year-round, and those in areas with more defined seasons, breed during the summer months (Siddiqui, 1979; Bruton and Gophen, 1992). Eggs are green, sticky, 1-2 mm in diameter, and are usually found in waters of 20-28ºC. The adhesive eggs are laid directly on the substrate within the excavated nest. They spawn in lake bottoms with pebbles or sand and abundant vegetation (Philippart and Ruwet, 1982). Males externally fertilize the eggs. Females have been reported to lay up to 6000 eggs at one time. Both parents fan water over the eggs with their fins and pick debris and dead eggs from the nesting depression. Nests are variable, often simple nests are constructed at exposed sites where there is limited parenting and complex nests are set up with brooding chambers in sheltered areas (Williams and Bonner, 2008; Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Physiology and Phenology
Redbelly tilapia has been introduced to a variety of places worldwide (Welcomme, 1988) and outside its native range, this freshwater fish has the ability to establish itself even in highly saline waters, only being held back by a low tolerance to cold water (ISSG, 2014).
Longevity
This species can live for up to 7 years (Noakes and Balon, 1982).
Nutrition
Redbelly tilapia is primarily herbivorous. Adults are especially herbivorous, consuming mainly aquatic macrophytes, algae, and diatoms generally comprising >80% of its diet and the remainder including aquatic insects, crustaceans and fish eggs. Juveniles are more carnivorous, consuming a number of different zoobenthos. The proportion of the diet made up from animal sources is generally size-related, with larger fish consuming more animal-based food items (Khallaf and Alnenaei, 1987). This species is found to be omnivorous based on the results of Agbabiaka, (2012) from southeastern Nigeria.
Environmental Requirements
Redbelly tilapia is a highly tolerant species, adapted to a range of environments, including estuarine habitats, lakes, marine habitats and water courses. It is capable of coping with a wide range of salinities (29-45 ppt), temperatures (11-36ºC) and pH (6-9) (Costa-Pierce, 2003; Froese and Pauly, 2014; ISSG, 2014). However, it cannot survive in colder water temperatures <11 ºC). In some regions where it has been introduced, populations have not survived winter temperatures and have required annual restocking (Smith-Vaniz 1968).
Climate
| Climate type | Description | Preferred or tolerated | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A - Tropical/Megathermal climate | Average temp. of coolest month > 18°C, > 1500mm precipitation annually | Preferred | |
| Af - Tropical rainforest climate | > 60mm precipitation per month | Preferred | |
| Am - Tropical monsoon climate | Tropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25])) | Preferred | |
| As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | Preferred | |
| B - Dry (arid and semi-arid) | < 860mm precipitation annually | Preferred | |
| BS - Steppe climate | > 430mm and < 860mm annual precipitation | Preferred |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
| Latitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude lower (m) | Altitude upper (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 10 |
Air Temperature
| Parameter | Lower limit (°C) | Upper limit (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean annual temperature | 11 | 36 |
Water Tolerances
| Parameter | Minimum value | Maximum value | Typical value | Status | Life stage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia [unionised] (mg/l) | 0.02 | 0.5 | Optimum | |||
| Ammonia [unionised] (mg/l) | 7.1 | Harmful | ||||
| Depth (m b.s.l.) | 1 | 7 | Harmful | |||
| Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) | >3 | Optimum | ||||
| Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) | 0.1 | Harmful | ||||
| Salinity (part per thousand) | 10 | 15 | Optimum | |||
| Salinity (part per thousand) | 45 | Harmful | ||||
| Turbidity (JTU turbidity) | 30 | 35 | Harmful | |||
| Water pH (pH) | 3.7 | 11 | Optimum | |||
| Water pH (pH) | 6 | 9 | Harmful | |||
| Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 25 | 30 | Optimum | |||
| Water temperature (ºC temperature) | 11 | 36 | Harmful |
List of Diseases and Disorders
Notes on Natural Enemies
There are several natural enemies of the species reported from its native range; including Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae) in Kenya, Carasobarbus canis (Cyprinidae) in Israel, Gymnarchus niloticus (Gymnarchidae) and Lates niloticus (Latidea) and Mormyrops anguilloides (Mormyridae) in Nigeria (Froese and Pauly, 2014).
Redbelly tilapia may be infected with a wide range of diseases and parasites, including Diplozoon paradoxum and Tetraonchus species (Yildirim et al., 2010).
Natural enemies
| Natural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carasobarbus canis | Predator | All Stages | to species | |||
| Diplozoon paradoxum | Parasite | All Stages | not specific | |||
| Gymnarchus niloticus (aba) | Predator | All Stages | to species | |||
| Lates niloticus (Nile perch) | Predator | All Stages | to species | |||
| Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) | Predator | All Stages | to species | |||
| Mormyrops anguilloides | Predator | All Stages | to species | |||
| Tetraonchus | Parasite | All Stages | not specific |
Impact Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Economic/livelihood | Positive |
| Environment (generally) | Negative |
Impact: Economic
Redbelly tilapia is an important food fish and aquaculture species. It provides up to 70% of Egypt’s fish production and is a hardy species, easy to grow and popular with consumers (white-fleshed and mild-flavoured) (Canonico et al., 2005).
Impact: Environmental
Impact on Habitats
Redbelly tilapia can alter ecosystems processes (e.g. nutrient cycling, disturbance, productivity, etc.) and ecosystem services (e.g. waste decomposition, water supply, soil regeneration and protection). Detrimental effects on native aquatic plants can lead to habitat destruction for native aquatic species that seek shelter. This species is considered to be one of the most destructive fish to submerged vegetation, known next to the grass carp (Hogg 1976a).
Impact on Biodiversity
It is a highly successful species; capable of outcompeting both native and non-native species for food, habitat and spawning sites (Pelzman, 1973; Reinthal and Stiassny, 1991; Leveque, 1997; Balierwa et al., 2003). It’s ability to easily switch food sources allow for populations to continue to grow in the absence of a depleted food source. For example, redbelly tilapia was reported to eliminate all aquatic macrophytes from Hyco Reservoir, North Carolina, within a two year period that coincided with declines in populations of several native fishes (Molnar, 2008). However, populations of redbelly tilapia continued expanding in the absence of macrophytes because of its ability to switch to alternate food sources (Crutchfield et al. 1992; Crutchfield, 1995).
Redbelly tilapia is a voracious herbivore and may negatively impact plant density, decreasing their abundance and changing the composition of native plants. This can then negatively affect native organisms that depend on such plants for spawning, protection, or foraging (Spataru, 1978).
The species is thought to have outcompeted or genetically subsumed two native species, Oreochromis variabilis and Oreochromis escuelentes (Balirwa et al., 2003). Introduction of this species has been correlated with declines of native species (Reinthal and Stiassny, 1991; Leveque, 1997) and it has also been implicated with the decline of the desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) in the Salton Sea (Costa-Pierce, 2003).
It may compete with centrarchid fishes for nesting sites and through aggressive interactions it may alter the composition of fish communities (Molnar, 2008). Redbelly tilapia is also able to hybridize with introduced Tilapia species (Taylor et al., 1986).
Impact: Social
Redbelly tilapia is a highly sought after, important recreational fishing species as well as important commercially.
Risk and Impact Factors
Invasiveness
Proved invasive outside its native range
Has a broad native range
Abundant in its native range
Highly adaptable to different environments
Is a habitat generalist
Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
Capable of securing and ingesting a wide range of food
Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
Has high genetic variability
Impact outcomes
Altered trophic level
Damaged ecosystem services
Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
Modification of natural benthic communities
Modification of nutrient regime
Modification of successional patterns
Threat to/ loss of native species
Impact mechanisms
Competition - monopolizing resources
Herbivory/grazing/browsing
Hybridization
Interaction with other invasive species
Likelihood of entry/control
Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Highly likely to be transported internationally illegally
Difficult to identify/detect in the field
Uses
Economic Value
Redbelly tilapia is an economically important food fish and important to aquaculture and commercial aquarium trade in its native range (Mehanna, 2004).
Social Benefit
It is also an important fish species for recreational fishery (ISSG, 2014). In addition to its value for commercial fishermen, recreational fishing and tourism may create a demand not only for food, accommodation and transportation but also for related recreational activities such as camping, boating, etc. All of these activities may provide economic incomes.
Environmental Services
Redbelly tilapia is used for controlling species of aquatic plants. It was determined that Chara sp. and Najasmarina could be controlled by redbelly tilapia in small lakes and ponds (Saeed, 1986). It has also been used to control noxious aquatic insects, mosquitos and chrinomid midges (Molnar, 2008).
Uses List
General > Pet/aquarium trade
General > Research model
General > Sport (hunting, shooting, fishing, racing)
Environmental > Biological control
Human food and beverage > Meat/fat/offal/blood/bone (whole, cut, fresh, frozen, canned, cured, processed or smoked)
Prevention and Control
Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Prevention
Public Awareness
There is little awareness on the invasion of redbelly tilapia, as it is still stocked and reared illegally.
Eradication
It was reported that rotenone was used by the Florida Freshwater and Game Commission in 1975 to eradicate redbelly tilapia from a small borrow pit, about 0.2 hectares in size (Taylor, 1986).
Control
As established populations of redbelly tilapia could be very difficult and costly to control, further stocking and introductions should be avoided.
Physical/Mechanical Control
Electrofishing and seine/gill netting have been used to catch redbelly tilapia in both its native and non-native ranges; however, there have been no reports of using these methods to physically or mechanically control the species (Agbabiaka, 2012; Dadebo, 2014).
Movement Control
The species is a very demandable food fish so it is moved widely all over the world.
Biological Control
There is potential to use the natural enemies reported from its native range to control redbelly tilapia.
Chemical Control
The piscicide, rotenone has been used to eradicate populations in the past. However, this can also be toxic to non-target species.
Monitoring and Surveillance (Incl. Remote Sensing)
Both telemetry and radio telemetry could be used.
Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
Further research could gain an insight into the management and control of this species, especially the role of public awareness. Given the detrimental impact this species can have on native fauna, flora and ecosystem functioning, public awareness is important to prevent further introductions and stocking of this species in new environments.
Links to Websites
| Name | URL | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| FishBase | http://www.fishbase.org | |
| GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
| Global Invasive Species Database | http://www.issg.org/database | The GISD aims to increase awareness about invasive alien species and to facilitate effective prevention and management. It is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the Species Survival Commission. |
| Global register of Introduced and Invasive species (GRIIS) | http://griis.org/ | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
| USGS NAS Database | http://nas.er.usgs.gov/ |
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References
Agbabiaka LA, 2012. Food and feeding habits of Tilapia zillii (Pisces: Cichlidae) in River Otamiri South-eastern Nigeria. Bioscience Discovery, 3:146-148.
Bailey RG, 1994. Guide to the fishes of the River Nile in the Republic of the Sudan. Journal of Natural History, 28:937-970.
Balirwa JS, Chapman CA, Chapman LJ, Cowx IG, Geheb K, Kaufman L, Lowe-McConnell RH, Seehausen O, Wanink JH, Welcomme RL, Witte F, 2003. Biodiversity and fishery sustainability in the Lake Victoria basin: an unexpected marriage? BioScience, 53(8):703-715.
Bartley DM, 2006. Introduced species in fisheries and aquaculture: information for responsible use and control. Rome, Italy, FAO: unpaginated.
Basiao ZU, Taniguchi N, 1984. An investigation of enzyme and other protein polymorphisms in Japanese stocks of the Tilapias <i>Oreochromis niloticus </i>and <i>Tilapia zillii.</i>. Aquaculture, 38(4):335-345.
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- Temesgen Tola Geletu, Shoujie Tang, Ying Xing, Jinliang Zhao, Ecological niche and life-history traits of redbelly tilapia ( Coptodon zillii, Gervais 1848) in its native and introduced ranges , Aquatic Living Resources, 10.1051/alr/2023030, 37, (2), (2024).
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