Tilapia
MCCG Chairman Jim Pope took these photos of fish at the ‘swimming hole’ in the part of Moggill Creek that flows through parklands adjacent to Creekside Street, Kenmore Hills.
Tilapia grow to 40cm in length, but are most common at about 25cm. There is considerable colour variation between males, females and juveniles. They will breed up to enormous concentrations, especially in dams and lagoons, often to the detriment of native fishes. The males develop bright red fin markings when in breeding condition and build nests for spawning in spring and summer.
On a camping safari to East Africa, Jim ate Tilapia that had been caught in Lake Victoria and can vouch that they are very good eating!
Many thanks to Jeff Johnson from the Queensland Museum for confirming the identification and providing much of the above information. More information is available on this Department of Agriculture and Fisheries webpage.