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Taxa

Oreochromis

Fish Genera

Oreochromis is a large genus of oreochromine cichlid fish endemic to Africa and the Middle East, comprising more than 30 species, 37 of them recognized in current taxonomy. Members are fairly robust, medium-small to very large cichlids ranging from about 9.4 to 61 centimeters in total length, primarily freshwater but with some species tolerant of brackish or even hypersaline water. The genus fossil record extends to the Late Miocene, and while some species have been introduced elsewhere for aquaculture, many native populations have restricted ranges and face serious threats from overfishing, habitat loss and hybridization with introduced Oreochromis species; two species are possibly already extinct.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Genus 2
Scientific Name
Oreochromis 2
Member Species/Taxa Count
37 2
Geographic Distribution
Endemic to Africa and the Middle East; in prehistoric times the genus also ranged as far north as southern Europe 2
Defining Characteristics
Medium-small to very large cichlids, 9.4 to 61 cm in total length; primarily freshwater but some species tolerate brackish or hypersaline water 2
Member Count Band
10 to 100 Species 3
Era First Appeared
Neogene 4
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 1
Oreochromis
Filter Results1 entry

Mozambique Tilapia

Oreochromis
Connections

Parent Taxon Of

Mozambique Tilapia, Species
Source Wikidata: Mozambique Tilapia
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Africa

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Europe

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Southern Europe

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

The Middle East

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ4621959, descriptionView the Source
2. Oreochromis - Wikipedia
  • Lead section, opening sentence, genus classification
    Oreochromis is a large genus of oreochromine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the Middle East.
  • Lead section, opening sentence, genus name
    Oreochromis is a large genus of oreochromine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the Middle East.
  • Taxonomy section, species list heading
    The 37 recognized species in this genus are
  • Lead section, historical range sentence
    this genus naturally ranged as far north as southern Europe in prehistoric times
  • Lead section, size sentence
    fairly robust fish, and medium-small to very large cichlids that can reach up to 9.4-61 cm (4-24 in) in total length
  • In Group: Cichlid Genera, Lead
    Oreochromis is a large genus of oreochromine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the Middle East.
View the Source
3. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for Oreochromis
Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
Quote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
"speciesExtantCount": 38
View the Source
4. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for Oreochromis
Paleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
"taxon_name": "Oreochromis" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 23.04 ... "early_interval": "Aquitanian"
View the Source
Wikidata: Oreochromis
Wikidata Q4621959, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Wikidata: Mozambique Tilapia
Parent Taxon Of: Mozambique Tilapia, Wikidata P171 (parent taxon) claim, rank=normal, target=Q4621959 (Oreochromis)View the Source
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