Known from Lake Turkana drainage (Ref. 52331, 52871), including the crater lakes on its central island (Ref. 2) and the stream entering Lake Turkana at Loiengalani (Ref. 2). Introduced in Lake Victoria drainage (Ref. 52331) and Lake Kanyaboli (Ref. 52331). The introduced strain possibly belongs to the subspecies Oreochromis niloticus eduardianus (Ref. 52331). Introduced in Lake Victoria to supplement stocks of native tilapiines which declined due to overfishing (Ref. 7270). Its introduction in Lake Victoria contributed to the decline in populations of haplochromine cichlids (Ref. 12252). Together with Lates niloticus it forms the basis of the fisheries of Lake Victoria (Ref. 12252). Also Ref. 12228.