Coptodon is a genus of cichlids native to Africa with C. zillii also found in the Middle East. Formerly included in Tilapia, in 2013 this genus was separated by Dunz et al. C. rendalli and C. zillii have been introduced widely outside their native ranges and are considered invasive, but most remaining members of the genus (including four endemics in Lake Ejagham and nine in Lake Bermin) have small ranges and are seriously threatened.