Coptodon
Classification
Genus:
Coptodon
Family: Cichlidae - Cichlids
Order: Cichliformes - Cichlids
Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
Description
Coptodon is a genus of cichlids native to fresh, brackish and coastal marine waters in Africa with C. zillii also found in the Middle East. It is the only genus in the tribe Coptodonini. Formerly included in Tilapia, this genus and tribe was separated in 2013. Despite the change in genus, Coptodon spp. are still referred to by the common name tilapia. Several species are important in local fisheries and a few are aquacultured.