Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

Least Concern Brackish

Comprimento Máximo

60,0 cm

Peso Máximo

4,3 kg

Cor

Grayish-green to olive body with …

Faixa de Profundidade

0-20m

Família

Cichlidae

Categoria

Food Fish

Sobre

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
Faixa de Profundidade	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.

Tipo de Água

Brackish

Faixa de Profundidade

0-20m

Distribuição Geográfica

Países

🇪🇬 Egypt 🇹🇿 Tanzania

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

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

Comestibilidade e Culinária

Sabor

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

Ordem	Cichliformes (Cichlids and allies)
Família	Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Espécies	Oreochromis niloticus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Tilapia du Nil
Spanish	Tilapia del Nilo

Perguntas Frequentes

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.

How big does Nile Tilapia get?

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

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

Is Nile Tilapia endangered?

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

What family does Nile Tilapia belong to?

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