It is a type of freshwater fish belonging to the Latidae family, which is similar to the perch family.
The Nile perch is found in various regions throughout Ethiopia, particularly in river basins.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
Facts about The Nile Perch
One notable characteristic of the Nile perch is its rapid growth during the first year, with a decrease in growth rate in the second, third, and fourth years.
Male Nile perch are larger than females, and their bones are armed with spines along with a large spinal column.
The Nile perch feeds by starting from the head of its prey to avoid the spines present in its body.
The Nile perch is classified as a nocturnal fish that searches for food at night.
Nile perch use schools and fish aggregations as a mechanism to protect themselves from predators.
The Nile perch feeds on both small and large fish without discrimination.
The Nile perch has two upper shell plates that enable it to cut and injure any approaching enemy.
Nile perch spends most daylight hours in rock crevices, rarely venturing out.
It is active in the night and twilight hours.
Nile tilapia description
Color: The Nile perch has a silver color on its skin with a hint of blue.
It has distinct dark black eyes with a bright yellow outer ring.
The body:The body of the Nile perch is cone-shaped, with small black spots on its body.
The weigh:The weight of the Nile perch ranges from 2 to 4 kg, but studies have reported sightings of individuals weighing up to 200 kg.
The length: The length of the Nile perch ranges from 85 to 100 cm, sometimes growing up to 193 cm.
Whiskers: The Nile perch has four pairs of whiskers, with each whisker’s length equal to the length of the fish.
The scales:The scales of the Nile perch are strong and act as a shield against natural enemies.
The Nile perch has two types of dorsal fins:
The first type contains spines and is rigid.
The second type is spineless and fatty.
Reproduction stages of Nile tilapia
The parents of Nile tilapia build a nest resembling a flat disk with a hole in the center for egg deposition. The eggs are white in color, with a diameter of 1 mm.
Where can Nile tilapia be found?
Nile tilapia is found in large quantities in Egypt in Port Said, Suez, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh.
Nile tilapia can also be found in Greece, Cyprus, and other regions.
Nile tilapia prefer to live in lakes with high oxygen concentrations.
FAQs about Nile tilapia
What is the diet of Nile tilapia?
Nile tilapia feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, mollusks, and plants.
How long does Nile tilapia live?
Female Nile tilapia live for 8 years, while males live for 7 years.
What is the nutritional value of Nile tilapia?
Nile tilapia contains many proteins and minerals. It also contains sodium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. It is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Nile tilapia also contains saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
What are the benefits of Nile tilapia?
Nile tilapia has many benefits, including tissue renewal and preservation due to its amino acid content.
It strengthens teeth and bones due to its iodine and phosphorus content. It benefits diabetics and people following a diet.
It strengthens memory and benefits tissues, nerves, and the brain.
It protects blood vessels and the heart from various diseases.
It benefits multiple sclerosis and helps prevent and reduce its spread.
It protects against depression due to its omega-3 content.
It helps treat asthma and respiratory diseases by reducing chest sensitivity.
It is recommended for the elderly to reduce the risk of dementia.
It helps in treating joint pain and immune-related diseases.
What is special about Nile perch?
The species holds significant commercial value as a food fish. Additionally, the Nile perch is popular among sport anglers due to its aggressive response to artificial fishing lures, and it is also commonly raised in aquaculture.
Is Nile tilapia good to eat?
Yes, it is good to eat as it is a healthy product because it contains Omega 3. Although its flavor is mild, Nile perch has a moist texture and medium firmness. The fish is rich in protein and low in strength and has a range of health benefits.
How does Nile perch taste?
as of its Sweet taste and also easy to prepar.
Is Nile perch expensive?
At local markets, 1 kg of whole Nile perch sells for approximately US$5, whereas 1 kg of swim bladder can fetch up to US$200 when sold to local middlemen.In China, the same quantity fetches up to US$1 000.It’s even more expensive in Hong Kong, where the price for Nile perch swim bladder can be significantly higher.
Is Nile tilapia carnivorous?
No, it isn’t a carnivorous fish.
In conclusion, despite belonging to successful species of fish, Nile tilapia face many threats due to overfishing.
Additionally, the presence of invasive water lilies should be noted.
The importance of Nile tilapia in treating various diseases and significantly strengthening the body structure should also be emphasized.
References:
wikipedia
