The black tilapia (Oreochromis placidus) is a freshwater species of fish of the genus Oreochromis, found in the wide region of Southern Africa.

[2] The black tilapia can grow to the recorded maximum length of 35.5 cm (14 inches).

[3] The fish is silvery to steel-grey, with white abdomen.

There is a red or orange margin on the dorsal and grey or black marblings on the gill-cover.

[4] The species are only reported to be found in fresh water at low altitudes and latitudes which suggests its relatively low salinity and temperature tolerances.