Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A review of the biology, ecology, distribution and control of Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) (Pisces: Cichlidae) with particular emphasis on invasive Australian populations

  • Reviews
  • Published:
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) are native to the eastward flowing rivers of central and southern Africa but from the early 1930s they have been widely distributed around the world for aquaculture and for biological control of weeds and insects. While O. mossambicus are now not commonly used as an aquaculture species, the biological traits that made them a popular culture species including tolerance to wide ranging ecological conditions, generalist dietary requirements and rapid reproduction with maternal care have also made them a ‘model’ invader. Self-sustaining populations now exist in almost every region to which they have been imported. In Australia, since their introduction in the 1970s, O. mossambicus have become established in catchments along the east and west coasts and have the potential to colonise other adjacent drainages. It is thought that intentional translocations are likely to be the most significant factor in their spread in Australia. The ecological and physical tolerances and preferences, reproductive behaviour, hybridization and the high degree of plasticity in the life history traits of O. mossambicus are reviewed. Impacts of O. mossambicus on natural ecosystems including competitive displacement of native species, habitat alteration, predation and as a vector in the spread of diseases are discussed. Potential methods for eradicating or controlling invasive populations of O. mossambicus including physical removal, piscicides, screens, environmental management and genetic technologies are outlined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allanson BR, Bok A, Wyk NI (1971) The influence of exposure to low temperature on Tilapia mossambica Peters (Cichlidae). J Fish Biol 3(2):181–185

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amorim MCP, Almada VC (2005) The outcome of male–male encounters affects subsequent sound production during courtship in the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Anim Behav 69(3):595–601

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amorim MCP, Fonseca PJ, Almada VC (2003) Sound production during courtship and spawning of Oreochromis mossambicus: male and female and male and male interactions. J Fish Biol 62(3):658–672

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anon (1997) Environmental performance review 1997. http://www.tarongenergy.com.au/Portals/0/docs/EPR/EPR_1997.pdf. Accessed 13/08/09

  • Ariel E, Owens L (1997) Epizootic mortalities in tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. Dis Aquat Org 29:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthington AH (1989) Impacts of introduced and translocated freshwater fishes in Australia. In: de Silva SS (ed) Proceedings of a workshop on the Introduction of Exotic Organisms in Asia, vol 3. Asian Fisheries Society, Manila, pp 7–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Arthington AH (1991) Ecological and genetic impacts of introduced and translocated freshwater fishes in Australia. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 48(suppl. 1):33–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthington AH, Bluhdorn DR (1994) Distribution, genetics, ecology and status of the introduced cichlid, Oreochromis mossambicus, in Australia. In: Dudgeon D, Lam PKS (eds) Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandl. Stuttgart (FRG), pp 53–62

  • Arthington AH, McKenzie F (1997) Review of impacts of displaced/introduced fauna associated with inland waters. In: Australia: state of the environment technical paper series. (Inland waters), Canberra. Department of the Environment, pp 57–65

  • Arthington AH, Milton DA (1986) Reproductive biology, growth and age composition of the introduced Oreochromis mossambicus (Cichlidae) in two reservoirs, Brisbane, Australia. Environ Biol Fishes 16(4):257–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthington AH, Milton DA, McKay RJ (1983) Effects of urban development and habitat alterations on the distribution and abundance of native and exotic freshwater fish in the Brisbane region, Queensland. Aust J Ecol 8:87–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthington AH, McKay RJ, Russell DJ, Milton DA (1984) Occurrence of the introduced cichlid Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) in Queensland. Aust J Mar Freshw Res 35(2):267–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balon E (1979a) The juvenilization process in phylogeny and the altricial to precocial forms in the ontogeny of fishes. Environ Biol Fishes 4(3):193–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balon EK (1979b) The juvenilisation process in phylogeny and the altricial precocial forms in the ontogeny of fishes. Environ Biol Fishes 4:97–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balon EK, Bruton MN (1986) Introduction of alien species or why scientific advice is not heeded. Environ Biol Fishes 16(4):225–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barata EN, Fine JM, Hubbard PC, Almeida OG, Frade P, Sorensen PW, Canario AVM (2008) A sterol-like odorant in the urine of Mozambique tilapia males likely signals social dominance to females. J Chem Ecol 34(4):438–449. doi:10.1007/s10886-008-9458-7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barker DE, Cone DK, Burt MDB (2002) Trichodina murmanica (Ciliophora) and Gyrodactylus pleuronecti (Monogenea) parasitising hatchery-reared winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum): effects on host growth and assessment of parasite interaction. J Fish Dis 25:81–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barron River Catchment Management Association (1998) Barron River catchment: management strategy. Barron River Integrated Catchment Management Association Incorporated, Mareeba

    Google Scholar 

  • Berrios-Hernandez JM, Snow JR (1983) Comparison of methods for reducing fry losses to cannibalism in tilapia production. Progr Fish-Culturist 45:116–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beumer JP (1979) Temperature and salinity tolerance of the spangled perch, Therapon unicolor Gunther 1859, and the east Queensland rainbowfish Nematocentris splendida Peters 1866. Proc R Soc Queensl 90:85–91

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaxter JHS (2000) The enhancement of marine fish stocks. Adv Mar Biol 38:1–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bluhdorn DR, Arthington AH (1989) Tilapia in Australia and around the world. Snippets 1:25–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Bluhdorn DR, Arthington AH (1990a) The incidence of stunting in Australian populations of the introduced cichlid Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). Paper presented at the proceedings of the Second Asian Fisheries Forum, Tokyo, Japan, 17–22 April 1989

  • Bluhdorn DR, Arthington AH (1990b) Somatic characteristics of an Australian population of Oreochromis mossambicus (Pisces: Cichlidae). Environ Biol Fishes 29(4):277–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bluhdorn DR, Arthington AH, Mather PB (1990) The introduced cichlid, Oreochromis mossambicus, in Australia: a review of distribution, population genetics, ecology, management issues and research priorities. In: Pollard DA (ed) Proceedings of the Australian Society of fish biology workshop on introduced and translocated fishes and their ecological effects, Magnetic Island, Townsville, 24 Aug 1989. Australian Government Publishing Service, pp 88–92

  • Bowen SH (1979) A nutritional constraint in detritivory by fishes: The stunted population of Sarotherodon mossambicus in Lake Sibaya, South Africa. Ecol Monogr 49(1):17–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bowen SH, Allanson BR (1982a) Behavioral and trophic plasticity of juvenile Tilapia mossambica in utilization of the unstable littoral habitat. Environ Biol Fishes 7(4):357–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bowen SH, Allanson BR (1982b) Behavioural and trophic plasticity of juvenile Tilapia mossambica in utilization of the unstable littoral habitat. Environ Biol Fishes 7:357–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruton MN, Allanson BR (1974) The growth of Tilapia mossambica Peters (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Lake Sibaya, South Africa. J Fish Biol 6(6):701–715. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1974.tb05113.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruton MN, Boltt RE (1975) Aspects of the biology of Tilapia mossambica Peters (Pisces: Cichlidae) in a natural freshwater lake (Lake Sibaya, South Africa). J Fish Biol 7(4):423–445. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1975.tb04618.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cadwallader PL, Backhouse GN, Fallu R (1980) Occurrence of exotic tropical fish in the cooling pondage of a power station in temperate south-eastern Australia. Aust J Mar Freshwater Res 31:541–546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Canonico GC, Arthington A, McCrary JK, Thieme ML (2005) The effects of introduced tilapias on native biodiversity. Aquat Conserv Mar Freshwat Ecosyst 15(5):463–483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng W, Farrell A (2007) Acute and sublethal toxicities of rotenone in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): swimming performance and oxygen consumption. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 52(3):388–396

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chmilevskii D (1998) The influence of low temperature on the growth of Oreochromis mossambicus. J Ichthyol 38:92–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Chopin FS, Arimoto T (1995) The condition of fish escaping from fishing gears—a review. Fish Res 21(3–4):315–327

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cnaani A, Gall GAE, Hulata G (2000) Cold tolerance of tilapia species and hybrids. Aquacult Int 8(4):289–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper JAG, Harrison TD (1992) Effects of nesting activities of Oreochromis mossambicus (Pisces: Cichlidae) on bank stability in small lagoons. S Afr J Sci 88:398–401

    Google Scholar 

  • Costa-Pierce BA (2003) Rapid evolution of an established feral tilapia (Oreochromis spp.): the need to incorporate invasion science into regulatory structures. Biol Invasions 5:71–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa-Pierce BA, Riedel R (2000) Fisheries ecology of the tilapias in subtropical lakes of the United States. In: Costa-Pierce BA, Rakocy JE (eds) Tilapia aquaculture in the Americas, vol 2. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, pp 1–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Cucherousset J, Olden JD (2011) Ecological impacts of nonnative freshwater fishes. Fisheries 36(5):215–230. doi:10.1080/03632415.2011.574578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Amato M, Esterhuyse M, van der Waal B, Brink D, Volckaert F (2007) Hybridization and phylogeography of the Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus in southern Africa evidenced by mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA genotyping. Conserv Genet 8(2):475–488. doi:10.1007/s10592-006-9186-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dalbey SR, McMahon TE, Fredenberg W (1996) Effect of electrofishing pulse shape and electrofishing-induced spinal injury on long-term growth and survival of wild rainbow trout. N Am J Fish Manage 16(3):560–569

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Moor FC, Wilkinson RC, Herbst HM (1986) Food and feeding habits of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) in hypertrophic Hartbeesport Dam, South Africa. S Afr J Zool 21:170–176

    Google Scholar 

  • de Pienaar UV (1968) The freshwater fishes of the Kruger National Park. Koedoe 11:1–82

    Google Scholar 

  • De Silva SS (1986) Reproductive biology of Oreochromis mossambicus populations of man-made lakes in Sri Lanka: a comparative study. Aquacult Res 17(1):31–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva SS, Amarasinghe US (1989) Stunting in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) (Pisces, Cichlidae): an evaluation of past and recent data from Sri Lankan reservoir populations. J Appl Ichthyol 5(4):203–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva SS, Chandrasoma J (1980) Reproductive biology of Sarotherodon mossambicus, an introduced species, in an ancient man-made lake in Sri-Lanka. Environ Biol Fishes 5(3):253–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva SS, Sirisena HKG (1988) Observations on the nesting habits of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Sri Lankan reservoirs. J Fish Biol 33(5):689–696. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1988.tb05514.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Silva SS, Perera MK, Maitipe P (1984) The composition, nutritional status and digestibility of the diets of Sarotherodon mossambicus from nine man-made lakes in Sri Lanka. Environ Biol Fishes 11:205–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diana JS (2009) Aquaculture production and biodiversity conservation. Bioscience 59(1):27–38. doi:10.1525/bio.2009.59.1.7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donnelly BG (1969) A preliminary survey of Tilapia nurseries on Lake Kariba during 1967/68. Hydrobiologia 34:195–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donnelley BG (1978) Evidence of tilapia survival during habitat dessication in Rhodesia. J Limnol Soc South Afr 4:75–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Doupé RG, Knott MJ, Schaffer J, Burrows DW (2009a) Investigational piscivory of some juvenile Australian freshwater fishes by the introduced Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. J Fish Biol 74(10):2386–2400

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Doupé RG, Schaffer J, Knott MJ, Burrows DW (2009b) How might an exotic fish disrupt spawning success in a sympatric native species? Mar Freshw Res 60(5):379–383. doi:10.1071/MF08184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doupé RG, Knott MJ, Schaffer J, Burrows DW, Lymbery AJ (2010) Experimental herbivory of native Australian macrophytes by the introduced Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. Austral Ecol 35(1):24–30. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9993.2009.02008.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dove ADM, O’Donoghue PJ (2005) Trichodinids (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) from native and exotic Australian freshwater fishes. Acta Protozool 44:51–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellstrand NC, Schierenbeck KA (2000) Hybridization as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness in plants? Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97:7043–7050

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Facon B, Jarne P, Pointier JP, David P (2005) Hybridization and invasiveness in the freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata: hybrid vigour is more important than increase in genetic variance. J Evol Biol 18(3):524–535

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fishbase (2010) Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852). Fishbase. http://fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=3&genusname=Oreochromis&speciesname=mossambicus&lang=English. Accessed 07/06/10

  • Fortes RD (1979) Evaluation of tenpounder and tarpon as predators on Java tilapia in brackishwater ponds in the Philippines. Ph.D. Dissertation, Auburn University, Alabama, USA

  • Fortes RD (2005) Review of techniques and practices in controlling tilapia populations and identification of methods that may have practical applications in Nauru including a national tilapia plan. Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea

    Google Scholar 

  • Frade P, Hubbard PC, Barata EN, Canario AVM (2002) Olfactory sensitivity of the Mozambique tilapia to conspecific odours. J Fish Biol 61(5):1239–1254. doi:10.1006/jfbi.2002.2140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fryer G, Iles TD (1972) The cichlid fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa—their biology and evolution. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuselier L (2001) Impacts of Oreochromis mossambicus (Perciformes: Cichlidae) upon habitat segregation among cyprinodontids (Cyprinodontiformes) of a species flock in Mexico. Rev Biol Trop 49:647–656

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaigher IG (1973) The habitat preferences of fishes from the Limpopo River system. Transvaal Mozambique Koedoe 16:103–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Global Invasive Species Database (2006) Oreochromis mossambicus. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=131&fr=1&sts=&lang=EN. Accessed 11th August 2009

  • Glucksman J, West G, Berra TM (1976) The introduced fishes of Papua New Guinea with special reference to Tilapia mossambica. Biol Conserv 9(1):37–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray CA (2002) Management implications of discarding in an estuarine multi-species gill net fishery. Fish Res 56(2):177–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grewe P, Botwright N, Beyer J, Patil J, Thresher RE (2005) Sex-specific apoptosis for achieving daughterless fish. In: 13th Australasian vertebrate pest conference Wellington, New Zealand, p 59

  • Habera JW, Strange RJ, Carter BD, Moore SE (1996) Short-term mortality and injury of rainbow trout caused by three-pass AC electrofishing in a southern Appalachian stream. N Am J Fish Manage 16(1):192–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hecht T, Zway P (1984) On the stunted Mossambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) (PIsces: Cichlidae) of the Matiovila hot spring, Kruger National Park. Koedoe 27(1):25–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Helmke SA, Peverell SC, Garrett RN (2000) Fisheries Resources: Trinity Inlet, north-eastern Queensland. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Hickling CF (1963) The cultivation of tilapia. Sci Am 208:143–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill JE, Cichra CE (2005) Eradication of a reproducing population of convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum (Cichlidae), in north-central Florida. Fla Sci 68(2):65–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan A, Vallance TD (2004) Wild River weir Tilapia infestation: internal report. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Walkamin

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan AE, Vallance TD (2005) Tilapia control in the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation channel. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Walkamin

    Google Scholar 

  • Hopkins TE, Cech JJ Jr (1992) Physiological effects of capturing striped bass in gill nets and fyke nets. Trans Am Fish Soc 121(6):819–822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutchison M, Sarac Z, Norris A (2012) The potential for Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus to invade the Murray-Darling Basin and the likely impacts: a review of existing information. Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Brisbane

  • Iles TD (1973) Dwarfing or stunting in the genus Tilapia (cichlidae), a possibly unique recruitment mechanism. Rapports et procès-verbaux des réunions 164:247–254

    Google Scholar 

  • James NPE, Bruton MN (1992) Alternative life-history traits associated with reproduction in Oreochromis mossambicus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in small water bodies of the eastern Cape, South Africa. Environ Biol Fishes 34(4):379–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jameson JD (1991) Plankton feeding habit of Oreochromis mossambicus (Cichlidae) held in cages, in Sathiar Reservoir, Tamil Nadu. Comp Physiol Ecol 16:72–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins AP, Jupiter SD, Quaqua I, Atherton J (2009) The importance of ecosystem-based management for conserving aquatic migratory pathways on tropical high islands: a case study from Fuji. Aquat Conserv Mar Freshw Ecosyst 20(2):224–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiménez-García MI, Vidal-Martínez VM, López-Jiménez S (2001) Monogeneans in introduced and native cichlids in Mexico: evidence for transfer. J Parasitol 87:907–909

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jubb RA (1967) Freshwater fishes of southern Africa. A. A. Balkema, Cape Town

    Google Scholar 

  • Jubb RA (1974) The distribution of Tilapia mossambicus Peters, 1852, and Tilapia mortimeri Trewavas, 1966, in Rhodesian waters. Arnoldia Zimbabwe 6:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Kader A, Zafar D, Bhuiyan AL (1981) Survival of young Tilapia mossambica Peters at different salinities. Indian J Fish 28:1–2

    Google Scholar 

  • Kamal AHMM, Mair GC (2005) Salinity tolerance in superior genotypes of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus and their hybrids. Aquaculture 247(1–4):189–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knapp RA, Matthews KR (1998) Eradication of non-native fish from a small mountain lake: gill netting as a non-toxic alternative to the use of rotenone. Restor Ecol 6:207–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koehn J, Brumley A, Gehrke PC (2000) Managing the impacts of carp. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • Komarkova J, Tavera R (2003) Steady state of phytoplankton assemblage in the tropical Lake Catemaco (Mexico). Hydrobiologia 502:187–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lagler KF (1978) Age and Growth. In: Bagenal T (ed) Methods for assessment of fish production in fresh waters. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, pp 7–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurent P, Jean-François A (1995) Phylogenetic relationships between 21 species of three tilapiine genera Tilapia, Sarotherodon and Oreochromis using allozyme data. J Fish Biol 47(1):26–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazur A, Early S, Jacobs JM (2006) Acute toxicity of 5% rotenone to northern snakeheads. N Am J Fish Manage 26:628–630

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linde AR, Izquierdo JI, Moreira JC, Garcia-Vazquez E (2008) Invasive tilapia juveniles are associated with degraded river habitats. Aquat Conserv Mar Freshw Ecosyst (6):891–895. doi:10.1002/aqc.928

  • Ling N (2003) Rotenone—a review of its toxicity and use for fisheries management. Science for conservation, vol 211. Department of Conservation, Wellington

    Google Scholar 

  • Lobel PS (1980) Invasion by the Mozambique tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus; Pisces, Cichlidae) of a Pacific marine ecosystem. Micronesica 16:349–355

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzen K (2000) Population dynamics and management. In: Beveridge MCM, McAndrew BJ (eds) Tilapias: biology and exploitation. Kluwer, London, pp 163–225

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lovshin LL (1982) Tilapia hybridization. In: Pullin RSV, Lowe-McConnell RH (eds) The biology and culture of tilapias, ICLARM conference proceedings, vol 7. International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, Manila, pp 279–308

    Google Scholar 

  • Macintosh DJ, de Silva SS (1984) The influence of stocking density and food ration on fry survival in Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus female × O. aureus male hybrids reared in a closed circulated system. Aquaculture 41:345–358

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mack RN, Simberloff D, Mark Lonsdale W, Evans H, Clout M, Bazzaz FA (2000) Biotic invasions: causes, epidemiology, global consequences, and control. Ecol Appl 10(3):689–710. doi:10.1890/1051-0761(2000)010[0689:BICEGC]2.0.CO;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mangum FA, Madrigal JL (1999) Rotenone effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates. J Freshwat Ecol 14(1):125–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maruyama T (1958) An observation on Tilapia mossambica in ponds referring to the diurnal movement with temperature change Bulletin of the Freshwater Fisheries Research Laboratory. Tokyo 26:11–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathavan S, Vivekanandan E, Pandian TJ (1976) Food utilization in the fish Tilapia mossambica fed on plant and animal foods. Helgol Mar Res 28:66–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Mather PB, Arthington AH (1991) An assessment of genetic differentiation among feral Australian tilapia populations. Aust J Mar Freshwater Res 42(6):721–728

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McColl KA, Sunarto A, Williams LM, Crane MS (2009) Koi herpesvirus (KHV): its potential as a biocontrol agent for carp in Australia. Paper presented at the combined annual science review meeting of the Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand and the Freshwater Products and Strategies Program of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand

  • McKay RJ (1977) The Australian aquarium fish industry and the possibility of the introduction of exotic fish species and diseases. Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Division, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • McKay RJ (1978) The exotic freshwater fishes of Queensland. Report to Australian National Parks and Wildlife Canberra, Australia

  • McKay RJ (1984) Introductions of exotic fishes in Australia. In: Courtenay WR Jr, Stauffer JR Jr (eds) Distribution, biology and management of exotic fishes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, pp 177–199

    Google Scholar 

  • McKaye KR, Ryan JD, Stauffer JR, Lorenzo JL, Vega GI, van den Berghe EP (1995) African tilapia in Lake Nicaragua. Bioscience 45:406–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McNee A (1990) The status of Australian rivers and streams (with reference to the status of recreational fish species). Australian Recreational and Sport Fishing Confederation, Canberra

    Google Scholar 

  • Minshull JL (2008) Dry season fish survival in isolated pools and within sand-beds in the Mzingwane River, Zimbabwe. Afr J Aquat Sci 33(1):95–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miranda A, Almeida OG, Hubbard PC, Barata EN, Canario AVM (2005) Olfactory discrimination of female reproductive status by male tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). J Exp Biol 208(11):2037–2043

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan DL, Gill HS, Maddern MG, Beatty SJ (2004) Distribution and impacts of introduced freshwater fishes in Western Australia. N Z J Mar Freshwat Res 38:511–523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murthy VK, Reddanna P, Govindappa S (1981) Hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in Tilapia mossambica (Peters) acclimated to low environmental pH. Can J Zool 59:400–404

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Myers GS (1938) Fresh-water fishes and West Indian zoogeography. Annual report of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Institution, vol 92, pp 339–364

  • Nelson SG, Eldredge LG (1991) Distribution and status of introduced cichlid fishes of the genera Oreochromis and Tilapia in the islands of the South Pacific and Micronesia. Asian Fish Sci 41:11–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Noakes DLG, Balon EK (1982) Life histories of tilapias: an evolutionary perspective. In: Pullin RSV, Lowe-McConnell RH (eds) The biology and culture of tilapias. International Centre for Living Aquatic Resource Management, Manila, pp 61–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1995a) Sexual dimorphism and allometry of external morphology in Oreochromis mossambicus. J Fish Biol 46(6):1055–1064

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1995b) Sexual dimorphism and allometry of external morphology in Oreochromis mossambicus J Fish Biol 46(6):1055–1064. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1995.tb01409.x

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1996) Dominance hierarchies and social structure in captive groups of the Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (Teleostei Cichlidae). Ethol Ecol Evol 8:39–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1998a) Maternal aggression during the mouthbrooding cycle in the cichid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. Agressive Behav 24:187–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1998b) Mating tactics and male–male courtship in the lek-breeding cichlid Oreochromis mossambicus. J Fish Biol 52(6):1115–1129

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Almada VC (1999) Male display characters, gonadal maturation and androgens in the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Acta Ethol 2(1):67–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira RF, Canario AVM (2000) Hormones and social behaviour of cichlid fishes: a case study in the Mozambique tilapia. J Aquac Aquatic Sci 9:187–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Panastico JB, Dangilan MMA, Eguia RV (1988) Cannibalism among different sizes of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry/fingerlings and the effect of natural food. In: Pullin RSV, Tonguthai K, Maclean JL (eds) The second international symposium on Tilapia in aquaculture. ICLARM Conference, Manila, pp 465–468

  • Pearce M (2009) “Eureka, I’ve found them”: community engagement in a tilapia incursion into a creek in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland (Abstract). Paper presented at the 12th international river symposium, Brisbane

  • Pearce MG, Perna C, Hedge S (2009) Survey of Eureka Creek and Walsh River fish community following the removal of tilapia using rotenone. Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez JE, Alfonsi C, Nirchio M, Barrios J (2006a) The inbreeding paradox in invasive species. Interciencia 31(7):544–546

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez JE, Nirchio M, Alfonsi C, Munoz C (2006b) The biology of invasions: the genetic adaptation paradox. Biol Invasions 8:1115–1121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Philippart JC, Ruwet JC (1982) Ecology and distribution of tilapias. In: Pullin RSV, Lowe-McConnell RH (eds) Biology and culture of tilapias. International Center for Living Aquatic Resource Management, Manila, pp 15–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Pullin RSV (1988) Tilapia genetic resources for aquaculture. In: Pullin RSV (ed) International Center for living aquatic resources management conference proceedings, Manilla, ICLARM, p 108

  • Pullin RSV, Lowe-McConnell RH (1980) The biology and culture of tilapias. In: International conference on the biology and culture of tilapias, Bellagio, Italy. International Center for Living Aquatic Resource Management, pp 25–58, 74–80

  • Pusey BJ, Arthington AH, Read MG (1993) Spatial and temporal variation in fish assemblage structure in the Mary River, south-eastern Queensland: the influence of habitat structure. Environ Biol Fishes 37:355–380

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pusey BJ, Kennard M, Arthington AH (2004) Origins, structure and classification of fishes. In: Pusey BJ, Kennard M, Arthington AH (eds) Freshwater fishes of north-eastern Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, pp 3–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinthal PN, Stiassny MLJ (1991) The freshwater fishes of Madagascar: a study of an endangered fauna with recommendations for a conservation strategy. Conserv Biol 5(2):231–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds JB (1996) Electrofishing. In: Murphy BR, Willis DW (eds) Fisheries techniques, 2nd edn. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, pp 221–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Riedel D (1965) Some remarks on the fecundity of tilapia (T. mossambica Peters) and its introduction into middle Central America (Nicaragua) together with a first contribution towards the limnology of Nicaragua. Hydrobiologia 25:357–388

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Hales PW (1993) Stream habitat and fisheries resources of the Johnstone River catchment. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Helmke SA (2002) Impacts of acid leachate on water quality and fisheries resources of a tidal creek in northern Australia. Mar Freshw Res 53:19–33

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Preston KM (2005) Effects of acid sulfate soils remediation on aquatic ecology and water quality at east Trinity, north Queensland. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Cairns

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Thuesen P (2008a) Tilapia in Queensland: distribution, biology and control. Paper presented at the proceedings of the Queensland pest animal symposium: pests on the move—pest animals in paradise, Cairns

  • Russell DJ, Thuesen P (2008b) Towards control of tilapia populations in north-eastern Queensland. In: Saunders G, Lane C (eds) Proceedings of the 14th Australasian vertebrate pest conference Darwin, NT, p 76

  • Russell DJ, Hales PW, Helmke SA (1996) Stream habitat and fish resources in the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers catchment. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, McDougall AJ, Ryan TJ, Kistle SE, Aland G, Cogle AL, Langford PA (2000) Natural resources of the Barron River catchment 1. Stream habitat, fisheries resources and biological indicators. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Ryan TJ, McDougall AJ, Kistle SE, Aland G (2003) Species diversity and spatial variation in fish assemblage structure of streams in connected tropical catchments in northern Australia with reference to the occurrence of translocated and exotic species. Mar Freshw Res 54(7):813–824

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Thuesen PA, Thomson FE (2010) Development of management strategies for control of feral tilapia populations in Australia. Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Brisbane

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell DJ, Thuesen PA, Thomson FE (in press) Reproductive strategies of two invasive tilapia species Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) and Tilapia mariae (Boulenger 1899) in northern Australia. J Fish Biol

  • Sampath K, Sivakumar V, Sakthivel M, James R (1991) Lethal and sublethal effects of ammonia on survival and food utilization in Oreochromis mossambicus (Pisces: Cichlidae). J Aquacult Trop 6(2):223–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Sawynok W, Parsons W, Platten P (2009) Winter 2007 fish death events: impact on stocked fish. Infofish Serv, Rockhampton

    Google Scholar 

  • Shearer KD, Mulley JC (1978) The introduction and distribution of the carp, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, in Australia. Aust J Mar Freshw Res 29(5):551–563

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shelton WL, Popma TJ (2006) Chapter 1. Biology. In: Lim C, Webster CD (eds) Tilapia: biology, culture, and nutrition. Haworth Press, New York, pp 1–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Simberloff D (2003) Eradication: preventing invasions at the outset. Weed Sci 51(2):247–253

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simberloff D, Stiling P (1996) Risks of species introduced for biological control. Biol Conserv 78(1–2):185–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singer TP, Ramsay RR (1994) The reaction site of rotenone and ubiquinone with mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase. Biochim Biophys Acta 1187:198–202

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Skliris GP, Richards RH (1999) Nodavirus isolated from experimentally infected tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). J Fish Dis (Oxford) 22(4):315–318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smit GL, Hattingh J, Ferreira JT (1981) The physiological responses of blood during thermal adaptation in three freshwater fish species. J Fish Biol 19:147–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder DE (2003a) Electrofishing and its harmful effects on fish. U.S. Geological Survey Information and Technology Report 2003-0002, Denver, Colarado

  • Snyder DE (2003b) Invited overview: conclusions from a review of electrofishing and its harmful effects on fish. Rev Fish Biol Fish 13(4):445–453

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stauffer JRJ (1986) Effects of salinity on preferred and lethal temperatures of the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). Water Resour Bull 22:205–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stockwell B, Hutchison M, Wedlock B, Ford E, Anderson T, Thomson C, Stephens K (2004) Freshwater aquatic biodiversity in the Burnett-Mary region. Burnett Mary Regional Natural Resource Management Group, Bundaberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Strecker AL, Campbell PM, Olden JD (2011) The aquarium trade as an invasion pathway in the Pacific northwest. Fisheries 36(2):74–85. doi:10.1577/03632415.2011.10389070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thresher R, Bax N (2003) The science of producing daughterless technology; possibilities for population control using daughterless technology; maximising the impact of carp control. In: Lapidge KL (ed) Proceedings of National Carp Control Workshop, Canberra, 5–6 March 2003. CSIRO Discovery and Co-operative Research Centre for Pest Animal Control, pp 19–24

  • Thresher RE, Grewe PG, van de Kamp J, Campbell G, Gurney R, Patil J, Canning M (2009) Development of daughterless technology for the control of pest fish. Paper presented at the collected abstracts of the combined annual science review meetings of the Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand and the Freshwater Products and Strategies Program of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand

  • Thresher RE, Hayes K, Bax NJ, Teem J, Benfey TJ, Gould F (in press) Genetic control of invasive fish: technological options and its role in Integrated Pest Management. Biol Invasions

  • Thuesen PA, Russell DJ, Thomson FE, Pearce MG, Vallance TD, Hogan AE (2011) An evaluation of electrofishing as a control measure for an invasive tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) population in northern Australia. Mar Freshw Res 62(2):110–118. doi:10.1071/MF10057

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trewavas E (1982) Tilapias: taxonomy and speciation. In: The biology and culture of Tilapias. London

  • Trewavas E (1983) Tilapiine fishes of the genera Sarotherodon, Oreochromis and Danakilia. British Museum Natural History, London

  • Tuma D (1989) Control of noxious fish populations in Queensland. Paper presented at the Australian Society for fish biology workshop on introduced and translocated fishes and their ecological effects, Magnetic Island, Townsville

  • Turner GF (1986) Territory dynamics and cost of reproduction in a captive population of the colonial nesting mouthbrooder Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). J Fish Biol 29(5):573–587

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veitch V, Burrows D, Webb AC (2006) Distribution of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in the Burdekin River Catchment, north Queensland. Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, Townsville

    Google Scholar 

  • Vinson MR, Dinger EC, Vinson DK (2010) Piscicides and invertebrates: after 70 years, does anyone really know? Fisheries 35(2):61–71. doi:10.1577/1548-8446-35.2.61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vitule JRS, Freire CA, Simberloff D (2009) Introduction of non-native freshwater fish can certainly be bad. Fish Fish 10(1):98–108. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2979.2008.00312.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waal BCWvd, Bills R (2000) Oreochromis niloticus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) now in the Limpopo River system. S Afr J Sci 96(1):47–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Wager VA, Rowe–Rowe DT (1972) The effects of Tilapia rendalli and T. mossambica on aquatic macrophytes and fauna in five ponds. S Afr J Sci 68:257–260

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward CJ (1976) Aspects of the ecology and distribution of submerged macrophytes and shoreline vegetation of Lake St Lucia. In: Heydorn AEF (ed) St. Lucia scientific advisory council workshop meeting, Natal Parks, Fish and Game Preservation Board Publication, paper no 10 Pietermaritzburg, Natal

  • Webb AC (1994) Ecological aspects of the Mozambique mouthbrooder, Oreochromis mossambicus, and other introduced cichlids in northern Queensland. Master of Science, Zoology, James Cook University, Townsville

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb AC (1999) South Townsville stormwater drainage fish survey. Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb AC (2003) The ecology of invasions of non-indigeneous freshwater fish in north Queensland. PhD, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland

  • Webb AC (2007a) Status of non-native freshwater fishes in tropical northern Queensland, including establishment success, rates of spread, range and introduction pathways. J Proc R Soc N S W 140:63–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb AC (2007b) The status of the Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus in the Ross Dam, Townsville, in tropical northern Queensland. School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb AC, Hogan AE, Graham PA (1996) Survey to determine the distribution of the Mozambique mouthbrooder (tilapia) Oreochromis mossambicus in the upper Barron River catchment with recommendations for management. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Walkamin

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb AC, Hogan A, Graham P (1997) The distribution of the Mozambique mouth-brooder, Oreochromis mossambicus and its future management in the upper Barron River catchment. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Walkamin

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitfield AK, Blaber SJM (1979) The distribution of the freshwater cichlid Sarotherodon mossambicus in estuarine systems. Environ Biol Fishes 4:77–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wrigley TJ, Toerien DF, Gaigher IG (1988) Fish production in small oxidation ponds. Water Res 22(10):1279–1285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ylikarjula J, Heino M, Dieckmann U (1999) Ecology and adaptation of stunted growth in fish. Evol Ecol 13(5):433–453

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Dr Wayne Fulton, Ms Kylie Hall and two anonymous referees who provided constructive comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript. This work was partially funded through a grant from the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northern Fisheries Centre, Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, PO Box 5396, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia

    D. J. Russell, P. A. Thuesen & F. E. Thomson

  2. Freshwater Products and Strategies, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, University of Canberra, Building 3, Kirinari Street, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia

    D. J. Russell, P. A. Thuesen & F. E. Thomson

Authors
  1. D. J. Russell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. A. Thuesen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. F. E. Thomson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. J. Russell.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Russell, D.J., Thuesen, P.A. & Thomson, F.E. A review of the biology, ecology, distribution and control of Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) (Pisces: Cichlidae) with particular emphasis on invasive Australian populations. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 22, 533–554 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-011-9249-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-011-9249-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation