Nonnative: Tilapias

Tilapias - Sarotherodon

Description: Tilapia are cichlids that maintain the common trait of all cichlids of having a split lateral line (rather than being contiguous in one smooth curve, the lateral line is distinctly broken with the posterior portion being lower down on the body.  On the other hand, they are one of the few cichlid groups with cycloid scales rather than ctenoid.  A way to check this is to gently brush your finger along the scales if they feel relatively smooth compared to other cichlids, it is likely a tilapia.  Otherwise they generally resemble sunfish but with a long continuous dorsal fin, which has stout spines in the anterior portion; the pelvic and anal fins also have strong anterior spines.  Vertical bars or spots are common in many of these fishes, especially on the young.  Note: the blackchin and spotted tilapia depicted here are established in south Florida but still prohibited to help reduce their range expansion.

Species: Very numerous  (> 100 )

Range: Originally from the east African lakes.

Habitat: Varies by species primarily lakes, but also rivers and estuaries.

Spawning Habitats: Tilapia spp. are egg bearers that build nests.  Sarotherodon spp. (male or female parent) and Orechromis spp. (maternal only) are mouth-brooding and prolonged parental care is common place even in the genus Tilapia, which are biparental substrate spawners that guard their young until they are about 1-inch long.

Feeding Habits: Mostly ominvorous feeding relatively low on the food chain.

Age and Growth: Fairly rapid growth, some of the larger species reach about 10 pounds.

Potential Concerns: Prohibited due to their proven ability to establish large thriving populations in Florida.  All  species of Sarotherodon, Oreochromis and Tilapia are prohibited, except O. aureus, O. hornorum, O. mossambica and O. nilotica, which were requested for use in the aquaculture industry under strict permit criteria are listed as restricted (not prohibited).  Tilapia are second only to carp in worldwide production via aquaculture for food and also occur in the aquarium trade.   Blue tilapia (O. aureus) may be possessed in much of Florida without a permit.

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