hello, i'm really new to WWs, but i'm a avid BRACKISH fish collector and rare fish collector. I have been doing some hard researching on the Blackchin Tilapia (sarotherodon melanotheron) I pretty much know all I need to know about the fish but I would like to hear from someone who actually has kept this fish........and the big kicker is nobody knows the first step in finding a couple of these guys...CAN ANYONE HELP ME?

Welcome!!

I wish I had first hand experience with these that I could share with you however I'm still looking for them myself! I love the unusual uncommonly kept cichlids as well. Good luck with your search and if you find them please share your experiences with us.

There are multiple references to this species being caught in several counties in south Florida. Is it possible that this fish is currently being farmed as a food fish there? See http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Sarotherodon_melanotheron.htm for some cool info on where there are to be found in Florida. Not much practical value, but fun reading!

I would recommend contacting your local agriculture board (tilapia being a major food fish) if you are unsuccessful finding a hobby importer.

EDIT: Frighteningly, a drainage into the Mississippi River down here was recently rotenoned after discovering tilapia reproducing in it. I wonder if Acestrorhynchus knows what species it was determined to be ...

I have not seen these fish in the hobby here in the States, but I think that it is more common in Europe. Your best bet is to find a wholesaler in Europe or someone who imports fish from Africa.

Happy hunting!