Nile Tilapia

Q: Can you eat Nile Tilapia?

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.

Q: How big does Nile Tilapia get?

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

Q: Where is Nile Tilapia 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

Q: Is Nile Tilapia endangered?

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

Q: What family does Nile Tilapia belong to?

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

Abstract

The most widely farmed food fish in the world, the Nile tilapia is cultivated in more than 120 countries and raised on every inhabited continent. Native to the Nile system, Lake Victoria, and other East African Rift lakes, this grayish-green cichlid bears seven to twelve dark vertical bars and reaches about 60 centimetres. Hardy and fast-growing, it tolerates brackish and oxygen-poor water and breeds prolifically as a mouth-brooder, carrying eggs and fry in the buccal cavity. Its mild, slightly sweet, firm white flesh readily absorbs marinades and is grilled, fried, or baked worldwide. Introduced far beyond its native range, the species is assessed as Least Concern.