"Oreochromis Tanganicae" Question

[The_Piranhaman]

Does anybody know what the cold water temperature tolerance is for the "Oreochromis Tanganicae" tilapia?

I know that some species of Tilapia (i.e. Oreochromis Aureus) can handle lower temperatures in the 50's and others can do well in the 60's.

I couldn't find anything online about this other than the recommended tropical temperature of 77 to 79 F.

I am thinking of buying a number of these and eventually putting them in a pond where the water temperature may reach as low as 60 F.

Does anybody here have any experience keeping them in 60 degree (or colder) water temperatures?

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

they are not as tolerant of the cold as other Oreochromis for the most part, especially compared aureus, which is established in plenty of temperate areas

 

[The_Piranhaman]

they are not as tolerant of the cold as other Oreochromis for the most part, especially compared aureus, which is established in plenty of temperate areas

Thanks for your input Cichlaholics Anonymous. I always appreciate information from other hobbyists when they make good points. And you did make good points there with respect to O. Aureus being established in many temperate areas.

So my guess is actually the same as yours in that O. Tanganicae are probably not as tolerant of colder water as O. Aureus, but it is my hunch that because Tanganicae is from the Tilapia family, they will be tolerant of cooler temperatures.

I remember years ago I kept hundreds of "Oreochromis Mossambicus" in a pond with water temperatures consistently in the low 60's. They moved a bit slower than usual and ate less food, but their health was excellent.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I've never had O. tanganicae, but I assumed being from Tanganyika they might be like most Tanganyikans, used to the very stable nature of their environment.

 

[dogofwar]

I've kept them and they're pretty robust fish but - I'd suspect - that low '60s wouldn't be to their liking.

I kept mine anywhere from low 70s to upper 80s/low 90s (in a garage fish room) with no issues.