Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
Diagnosis: 9 or fewer rakers on lower limb of first arch; dorsal fin with 16 spines and 11-12 soft rays; soft dorsal with blackish streaks that curve forward above the "tilapia spot" and become more longitudinal in orientation (Ref. 81260).Description: head length 32.8-35.0% SL; lower pharyngeal jaw with tricuspid posterior teeth; ventral keel shorter than dentigerous plate; 3-4 rows of teeth in oral jaws, outer row teeth bicuspid (Ref. 81260).Coloration: olive-brown, usually with 4 bars on flanks; opercular spot somewhat ovoid; soft dorsal with blackish streaks curving forward above the "tilapia spot" and becoming somewhat longitudinally oriented (Ref. 81260).
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Probably pair-bonding, open (Ref. 52307) substrate brooder/spawner (Ref. 52307, 81260), with both parents guarding the brood (Ref. 52307).
