Oreochromis

Victorian Cichlids

Oreochromis is a large genus of tilapiine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the middle east. Several species from this genus have been introduced far outside their native range, and are important in aquaculture. Members of this genus, as well as those of the genera Tilapia and Sarotherodon, share the common name "tilapia". The genus contains more than 30 species, and numerous undescribed forms exist. Judging from mtDNA sequence analysis, there seem to be several clades.