Coptodon dageti

Photo by:   Andrew Pasquinelli

Description

A west African Tilapia species found in the lakes and rivers of the upper Senegal, upper and middle Niger system, upper Comoe, Volta, Mono, Bénoué and Lake Chad. A substrate spawner with both parents guarding fry. Known for large spawns, they are exceptional parents. Females will lay on hard surfaces such as wood or rocks and tend to the brood for weeks after. A large species that can reach 16” in length with typical specimens measuring around 12”. Typically a grayish brown in color. During breeding they will display a red belly with a yellow flanks and bifurcated vertical bars on the upper flanks.

Category:   Cichlids

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution:   upper Senegal, upper and middle Niger system, upper Comoe, Volta, Mono, Bénoué and Lake Chad