Dataset to study the population genomics of introduced Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: repeated introductions since colonial times with multiple sources

During colonial times, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) was introduced in non-native parts of the Congo Basin (Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC) for the first time. Currently, it is the most farmed cichlid in the DRC, and is present throughout the Congo Basin. Although Nile tilapia has been reported as an invasive species, documentation of historical introductions into this basin and its consequences are scant. Here, we study the genetic consequences of these introductions by genotyping 213 Nile tilapia from native and introduced regions, focussing on the Congo Basin. Additionally, 48 specimens from 16 other tilapia species were included to test for hybridisation. Using RAD sequencing (27 611 SNPs), we discovered genetic admixture with other tilapia species in several morphologically identified Nile tilapia from the Congo Basin, stressing their ability to interbreed and the potential threat they cause to the genetic integrity of native tilapias. Populations from ...