Real Fish skeleton  (African Mouthbrooder - Oreochromis mossambicus) specimen encased in clear lucite material. The specimen is crystal clear, transparent and indestructible. Safe, authentic and completely unbreakable product put real Fish skeleton right at your fingertips!

Anyone can safely explore the Fish skeleton from every angle.

It is clear enough for microscope observation. 

Size of the skeleton: 6.0 x 2.3 cm (2.4 x 0.9 inch)

Size of the lucite block is 7.3x4.2x2.1 cm (2.9x1.7x0.8 inch).

Each one comes with a beautiful cardboard box for easy storage.

Weight of the lucite block is 90 g and 110 g with packing box.

This is a handmade real animal specimen craft. Each one will be a bit different (specimen size, color and posture) even in the same production batch.
The pictures in the listing are just for reference as we are selling multiple pieces with same pictures.

It is an ideal learning aid for students and kids and also a very good collectible item.

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African Mouthbrooder - Oreochromis mossambicus

It is native to Africa but has been introduced to Florida and elsewhere as well.

Individuals collected in their native range typically reach 380 mm SL (standard length, measured from the snout to the caudal peduncle), while animals collected elsewhere (e.g., the Gulf of Mexico) may reach only around 220 mm. Males grow slightly larger than females. Females and non-breeding males are mainly silver in color with 2-5 blotches along the midline and occasionally the dorsal fin. Breeding males are black with white

They have 28-31 vertebrae and 14-20 lower gill rakers. The spine/ray count is: Dorsal = XV-XVII + 26-29; Anal = III=iV + 9-10.

In their native range along the eastern coast of Africa, Oreochromis mossambicus occurs in riverine and coastal lagoon habitats. The species was introduced to the U.S. by the aquarium and aquacultures trades and were released either accidentally or intentionally into waterways of Texas, Florida and Alabama.

Age, Size, Lifespan:
The maximum size of the Oreochromis mossambicus tends to vary based on its geographical location. Collections from within the native range indicate a maximum size of around 430 mm, while animals in the Gulf of Mexico measured a maximum of 360mm.

O. mossambicus are long-lived surviving to approximately 11 years.

Female Oreochromis mossambicus mature at approximately 150-160 mm, and males mature at approximately 170-180 mm. Males construct nests in sparse to moderately vegetated bottoms where fertilization of the eggs takes place. Several different females will lay eggs in the nest. Females can lay between 50-1,780 eggs, based on individuals' size and environmental conditions. Males are generally aggressive and ritualistic during reproductive season, although male-male confrontations rarely actually become violent.

Once fertilized, the female Oreochromis mossambicus takes the eggs into her buccal cavity (mouth) and broods them until hatching. Hatching occurs in approximately 3-5 days. Once hatched, the females continue to mouth-brood the fry until they are approximately 14-21 days old. Male O. mossambicus are reported to occasionally mouth-brood eggs and fry as well.