A Study of the African Cichlid, Tilapia heudeloti dumeril, in Tampa Bay, Florida

Ecological observations of the African cichlid, Tilapia heudeloti, are reported from the Tampa Bay estuarine system. Hydrological and biological data were compiled during 1963 and 1964. Specimens as large as 237 mm. (standard length) and weighing 487 grams were caught. Breeding appeared to begin in April or May and c:mtinue until December. Spawning occurred in brackish waters with an average salinity of 13.06%. In the stu