Breeding Sarotherodon melanotheron (Blackchin Tilapia)

Sarotherodon melanotheron is a paternal mouthbrooder: the male incubates the eggs in his mouth. Females court and lead in pairing; the species tolerates wide salinity.

Overview

Sarotherodon melanotheron is a West African tilapia native to lagoons and estuaries from Mauritania to Cameroon, reaching about 28 cm SL (FishBase, Wikipedia). It is an unusual cichlid because it is a paternal mouthbrooder: the male exclusively incubates the eggs in his mouth (FishBase, Wikipedia). The species tolerates high salinity and is often kept in brackish setups.

Sexing

Maturity is reached from roughly 12-13 cm (FishBase). Dominant males develop a dark throat (the 'blackchin' character). Brooding males are recognisable by the bulging buccal cavity while carrying eggs.

Conditioning

FishBase records pH 7.0-8.0 and 9-19 dH for the species, in shallow inshore and mangrove waters. Because it tolerates a wide salinity range, it can be conditioned in fresh through brackish water. Feed a varied omnivorous diet to bring breeders into condition.

Breeding Setup

Spawning occurs in shallow water close inshore, where a pit is constructed (FishBase). Provide an open sandy area for pit digging. Note that the KB record lists this species as a mouthbrooder; the consulted sources specify the unusual paternal (male) mouthbrooding mode, which this guide follows.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

In a reversal of the typical cichlid pattern, the female actively courts the male, digs pits and leads in mating, while the male reacts largely passively and the pair forms a bond (FishBase, Wikipedia). After spawning the male takes the eggs into his mouth to brood. One Ghanaian strain has shown potential for female oral brooding, indicating some populations may vary (Wikipedia).

Egg & Fry Care

The male incubates the developing eggs and larvae in his mouth until the fry are released. While brooding, the carrying parent does not feed normally. Released fry accept fine first foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered fry diets.

Common Challenges

The large adult size and semi-aggressive temperament require a spacious, robust setup. Stable water chemistry within the documented range, and a quiet environment for the brooding male, support successful rearing.