Species guide
How to catch Longfin tilapia
Oreochromis macrochir
The Longfin tilapia is a freshwater cichlid known for its presence in quiet river margins and floodplain habitats. It prefers inland waters with low salinity and thrives in ponds, dams, and deep or shallow standing waters. This fish feeds primarily by filtering plankton and plant fragments from the water.
Where they live
Inhabits quiet waters along river margins, backwaters, and floodplains in freshwater regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Found mostly in inland savanna plateaus and surviving in ponds and dams with low salinity tolerance. Typically found at depths from 5 to 14 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 43 cm
What they eat
- plankton
- vascular plant fragments
- cyanobacteria
- algae
Best baits
- plant-based bait
- small pieces of algae
- commercial fish pellets
Best lures
- small soft plastics
- light spinnerbaits
How to fish for them
- float fishing near river margins
- bait fishing in shallow waters
- light lure casting
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