Other Freshwater
Tilapia
Cichlidae (family)
FreshwaterCichlidaeVaries by species; some are considered invasive in certain regions, while others are important for aquaculture and food security.
About
Tilapia are a group of freshwater fish known for their laterally compressed bodies and long dorsal fins. They exhibit diverse feeding habits and are often mouthbrooders, where the female carries the fertilized eggs and young fry in her mouth for protection.
- Average size
- 6-14 inches, 1-5 lbs (depending on species and environment)
- Colors
- Silver, gray, olive, pinkish, or black, often with vertical bars or spots. Breeding males may display brighter colors.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; algae, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and detritus.
- Region
- Not native to the US; found in aquaculture and introduced populations in warmer regions such as Florida, Texas, and California.