Diagnoses and Key to the Juveniles of Tilapia (Pisces, CichliDae) In Lake Victoria

Abstract

Recent introductions of Tilapia species into the La~e Victoria basin have aggravated the problem of identification of the morphologically similar young fish of the genus which tend to occur together in similar habitats. Eight species, viz. T. nigra, T. nilotica, T. zilli, T. melanopleura, T. leucosticta, T. mossambica, T. esculenta and T. variabilis are now known from the basin of which only the last two occur naturally. Diagnoses of each species are provided, with a key to identification at the juvenile stage. Some remarks are added on the present habitats of both endemic and introduced species.