Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all

I have recently captured some wild tilapia in a nearby brackish pond...I identified them all as "Spotted Tilapia". However, after feeding yesterday I noticed one in particular wasn't eating, and was staying at the bottom of the IBC guarding the bottom exit valve and actively chasing other tilapia from the area. Initially I though it was a male defending his nest (which could still hold true), but he is almost black, with yellow markings around his mouth and yellow 'stripes'. Is it possibly he is a different type of tilapia? Or do males/females sometimes change this colour when they are ready to breed? See pic below:



Thanks in advance

without knowing your location i doubt anyone could give an accurate taxonomy of that fish give this picture.

when you were describing the situation it sounded to me like a female with eggs, does the fish open it's mouth? could it be brooding? females dont eat for about 10 days while they brood their eggs.

Ah ok - I thought by its colorization someone could identify for me. I'm located in Caribbean. All the other Tilapia I've gotten over the past month are dark when I first catch them but quickly lighten up - this one has remained dark since I have got him.

This fish is not eating - but I have not seen the fish opening its mouth and doesn't look like its holding eggs...bizarre.