Redbelly Tilapia

Habitat

Lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and fish ponds; native to the Nile, the Levant (Sea of Galilee, Jordan River) and much of northern and West Africa. Prefers warm, shallow, weedy water and tolerates brackish water.

Behavior

Mostly eats water plants and algae, plus insects and small invertebrates. Pairs guard their eggs and fry on a nest and attack anything that comes close. Can be aggressive toward other fish.

Best techniques

• Float fishing with bread, dough or corn
• Small hooks with worms near weed beds
• Light ledgering with groundbait
• Small spinners and micro jigs near nests