Sarotherodon

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 796

Sarotherodon comprises approximately 25 species of mouth-brooding tilapias, all but one of which are endemic to West and Central Africa. Of particular interest is the adaptive radiation of 11 closely related species in Barombi Mbo, mouths for about 20 days and guard-feeding juveniles a crater lake in Cameroon. This represents one of the most for up to 2 weeks. Expanded temperature range: 8–42°C; spectacular examples of sympatric speciation. It appears natural temperature range: 13–33°C. Juveniles are omnivo- that Sarotherodon is paraphyletic, with several new generic rous; juveniles and adults feed mainly on planktonic and names expected to be described. It is unlikely that S. galiepilithic blue-green algae, diatoms, and macrophytes. laeus will remain in that genus. Alternatively, several other Conservation status. Non-native; LC in its native range; genera of mouth-brooding tilapias, including Iranocichla , released or escaped from fish farms. It significantly impacts Oreochromis , and Tristramella , might become synonyms of native fish due to its dense population and competition for Sarotherodon . However, no conclusive phylogenetic concept habitat and food; its nesting activity and territorial behaviour has been proposed until now. Furthermore, S. galilaeus disturb habitat and spawning grounds. International and appears to have been largely introgressed by Oreochromis national agencies that promote its stocking largely ignore these aureus , indicating that both species have undergone extennegative impacts. Globally, O. niloticus is the most important sive hybridisation in the past. Additionally, there is a high tilapia species in aquaculture and also supports major capture genetic diversity within S. galilaeus , particularly in West fisheries where it is established. It is highly invasive and is and Central Africa. Consequently, a critical taxonomic reviknown to hybridise with many other Oreochromis species. For sion of this species is required. Further reading. Trewathis reason, further stocking has been banned in several coun- vas et al. 1972; Schliewen et al. 1994 (Barombi Mbo); Dunz & tries, including South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia. Schliewen 2013 (phylogeny).

Sarotherodon galilaeus ; Orontes drainage, Syria; ~ 150 mm SL.