Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: zebra tilapia

Synonyms and Other Names: Hornet tilapia

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: In general, cichlids (Cichlidae) are superficially similar to sunfishes and black basses (Lepomis and Micropterus; family Centrarchidae). Cichlids can be distinguished from centrarchids by a single nostril opening on each side of the head (vs. two openings in centrarchids) and the presence of a discontinuous or two-part lateral line (vs. a continuous lateral line in centrarchids).

Size: 30.8 cm SL (Teugels and Thys van den Audenaerde 1992). Photo available in Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl (1985).

Native Range: Western Africa: Lower reaches of coastal rivers from Guinea-Bissau (Geba and Corubal Rivers) to west Liberia (St. John River) (Teugels and Thys van den Audenaerde 1991).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Prefers freshwater lakes and coastal rivers in tropical/subtropical areas.  Male-female pairs cooperatively excavate a depression or pit in the sediment until they reach a solid substrate. Both pairs guard nest and young.

Means of Introduction: Aquarium releases, despite being illegal to keep in FL.

Status: Established in Florida. Failed in Virginia and Michigan.

Impact of Introduction: Unknown. Likely to be similar to closely related T. mariae in Florida.

Remarks: Although one expert informs us that they are illegal in Florida, he also observed them in 1999 for sale at a pet shop in South Florida. Those fish were confiscated by FL Wildlife Officers.

References: (click for full references)

Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl. 1985. Aquarien atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag für Natur-und Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p.

Guerin, M. 2004. Strange Fish Identification The Jump [online]. http://www.thejump.net

Shafland, PL, KB Gestring, and MS Stanford.  2008.  Florida's Exotic Freshwater Fishes - 2007.  Florida Scientist 71(3):220-245.

Teugels, G.G. and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde. 1991. Tilapia. p. 482-508. In J. Daget, J.P. Gosse, G.G. Teugels and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes in Africa (CLOFFA). ISNB, Brussels; MRAC, Tervuren; and ORSTOM, Paris. Vol. 4.

Teugels, G.G. and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde. 1992. Cichlidae. p. 714-779. In C. Levêque, D. Paugy and G.G. Teugels (eds.) Faune des poissons d'eaux dounces et saumâtres d'Afrique de l'Ouest. Tome 2. Coll. Faune Tropicale n° 28. Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgique and ORSTOM, Paris. 902 p.

Werner Wieland, Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, VA

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Tilapia buttikoferi

Author: Pam Fuller, Bill Loftus, and Matt Neilson

Peer Review Date: 11/1/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.