Tilapia cf. deckerti
Tilapia deckerti is endemic to Lake Ejagham in northwestern Cameroon. The lake is home to five forms of Tilapia (Coptodon), two undescribed Sarotherodon species, two killifish species, and one barb. Two forms of this species (a "species pair") are believed to exist in the lake and may represent an example of ongoing sympatric speciation, according to Schliewen et. al. (2001). They are referred to as Tilapia cf. deckerti "large black" and "small black." I believe the photos below represent the "large black" form.This species is notable for being very variable in color, depending on behavioral state. They range from gunmetal gray with yellow fins, to gray with black ventral areas, to jet-black (with or without irregular, vertical silver markings) with blue lips. The juveniles of this species are unique in their possession of an elongated black Tilapia-spot (see below).
Male
Parental male
The same male as above, newly-imported
Female
Parental female with fry
Juvenile (notice black dorsal marking)
