Tilapia Fish Facts

Tilapia is a common name given to several species of fish, and falls under the cichlid species of freshwater fish. They play an important role in aquaculture and commercial fishing, but are also posing a threat of overpopulation in some parts of the world, due to their ability to spawn in many water conditions.

Tilapia is a common Latin-derivative word that simply translates to "fish." The tilapia is called several different names, depending on which region it is in. It is also referred to as the St. Peter's fish, which is based on a popular Bible story.

Tilapia is one of the most commercially farmed fish in the world, after carp and salmon. Originally, it was mostly farmed in Africa, but other regions, like New Guinea and parts of the United States, have increased their aquacultural production of tilapia fish.

Tilapia fish belong to the cichlid genus of fish and display many of the signature attributes common to the genus. Their bodies are compact, and they tend to resemble pan fish like bluegill and sunfish. Depending on environmental conditions, their scales range from muddy brown-green to vibrant green with shimmering flecks of color.

Tilapia fish are omnivorous, meaning they enjoy a diet of both vegetation and protein. However, their diets consist of mainly vegetative material. Because of this, they are often times used in farmed waters for algae and weed control.

Many fish under the cichlid genus are popular in home aquariums and ponds, but tilapia is not a popular choice because it is more destructive to aqua decor than its more popular relatives.

Tilapia are normally peaceful fish, but their small size packs a lot of punch when it comes to catching one. A 1 pound tilapia can put up quite a fight on a fishing line. They are ordinarily more peaceful than its relative cichlid fish, but it is still a moderately aggressive fish.
Food

Tilapia is especially popular for a food choice among people because of its light taste. As a freshwater fish, its taste is relatively clean and not fishy, and because of its low protein intake, tilapia doesn't contain as much dangerous mercury as other common fresh and saltwater fish.