English Name: Mozambique cichlid, Tilapia
Family: CICHLIDAE
Local Name: Footumas, Thelaapia
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 36 cm
Specimen: MRS/0038/86
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 10-13 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-10 rays. Pectoral fin rays 13-14. Body depth 2.3 in standard length. Body compressed and oblong. Scales moderately large. Pectoral fin as long as head. Maxillary not extending to the front border of the eye.
Colour: Body greenish brown. About 5 dark bars on sides. Pelvic fin darkbrown to black. Pectoral fin pale.
Habitat and Biology: Found in fresh water, brackish water or sea water but rarely in open sea. Feed on a wide variety of plant matter as well as on insects, crustaceans and fishes.
Distribution: Widespread.
Remarks: Oreochromis mossambicus was first brought to Maldives in 1964 by a Japanese Research Vessel Fuji Maru as bait from Sri Lanka. This species was first distributed on Huraa island in Kaafu Atoll by Mr. N.T. Hassan Didi. Now common in several locations. Previously recorded under the genus Sarothe radon in the Catalogue of fishes of the Maldives, Vol. I, page 50.