Tilapia du Nil

Oreochromis niloticus

Least Concern Brackish

Longueur maximale

60,0 cm

Poids maximum

4,3 kg

Couleur

Grayish-green to olive body with …

Plage de profondeur

0-20m

Famille

Cichlidae

Catégorie

Food Fish

À propos

The Nile tilapia is the most widely farmed fish species in the world, cultivated in over 120 countries. Originally from Africa, it is a hardy, fast-growing mouth-brooder that thrives in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	60,0 cm
Maximum Weight	4,3 kg
Plage de profondeur	0-20m

Coloration

Grayish-green to olive body with 7–12 regular dark vertical bars on the flanks; caudal fin shows vertical dark stripes; belly pale gray; breeding males develop a reddish hue on the throat and fins.

Habitat & Distribution

Originally from the Nile River; now globally distributed through aquaculture. Warm, shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers (20-35°C). Highly adaptable; tolerates brackish water and oxygen-poor conditions.

Type d'eau

Brackish

Plage de profondeur

0-20m

Aire de répartition

Pays

🇪🇬 Egypt 🇹🇿 Tanzania

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Tilapia du Nil is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Comestibilité et gastronomie

Goût

Mild, slightly sweet white flesh with low fat and a firm texture; absorbs marinades and spices well. One of the world's most farmed fish; excellent grilled, fried, or baked.

Taxonomy

Ordre	Cichliformes (Cichlids and allies)
Famille	Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Espèces	Oreochromis niloticus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Tilapia du Nil
Spanish	Tilapia del Nilo

Foire aux questions

Can you eat Tilapia du Nil?

Mild, slightly sweet white flesh with low fat and a firm texture; absorbs marinades and spices well. One of the world's most farmed fish; excellent grilled, fried, or baked.

How big does Tilapia du Nil get?

Tilapia du Nil can grow up to 60.0 cm long and weigh 4.3 kg.

Where is Tilapia du Nil found?

Native to the Nile River system, Lake Victoria, and other East African Rift Valley lakes. Introduced globally for aquaculture; now established in tropical and subtropical rivers, lakes, and estuaries on six continents. Originally from the Nile River; now globally distributed through aquaculture. Warm, shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers (20-35°C). Highly adaptable; tolerates brackish water and oxygen-poor co

Is Tilapia du Nil endangered?

The conservation status of Tilapia du Nil is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Tilapia du Nil belong to?

Tilapia du Nil (Oreochromis niloticus) belongs to the family Cichlidae (Cichlids) in the order Cichliformes (Cichlids and allies).