Tilapia

Where it lives

Nile tilapia originated in African rivers and lakes — the Nile, Niger, and parts of East Africa — and have been introduced to nearly every warm freshwater body in the tropics and subtropics for aquaculture. They tolerate warm, oxygen-poor, even brackish water.

How to recognise it

A robust, laterally compressed body with vertical bars on a silvery-gray to olive background. Tilapia have a single long-based dorsal fin and a broad, slightly forked tail. Breeding males develop reddish edges on the fins and a deeper body color.

Diet & behavior

Tilapia graze algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus, supplementing with insect larvae — a low-trophic diet that makes them efficient to farm. They are mouthbrooders; the female holds fertilized eggs and fry inside her mouth until the fry are independent.

Fisheries & Conservation

Globally Least Concern. Tilapia is now second only to carps in global freshwater aquaculture by tonnage. Their adaptability has made them serious invaders in many warm-water ecosystems outside their native range.