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Tilapia Characteristics

Tilapia belong to the Cichlid group under various names and species. The fish occurs in fresh and brackish water predominantly in the Middle East and Africa, among other regions. The State of New Wales government considers the fish one of "100 of the world's worst introduced species." Prolific breeders, they can quickly overtake regions. The fish also accept adverse water conditions. Once established in a waterway they become difficult to eliminate or restrict.

History
- About 100 wild species and sub-species of tilapia exist. One of the first fish ever cultivated, the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) was depicted in Egyptian drawings over 3,000 years ago. Legend also asserts that Jesus once fed the multitudes tilapia. Due to the possible biblical connection, many call the tilapia Saint Peter's fish. The tilapia now holds the distinction of being second only to carp as the most common farm-raised fish in the world, according to Southern Regional Aquaculture Center.
Reproduction
- The male tilapia will dig a nest in the bottom of waterway. Most nests occur in less than 3 feet of water. The male will mate with several females. It will lead the female to the nesting site where she will drop the eggs.Males promptly fertilize the eggs so that females can scoop them up into their mouths for incubation. Females care for the eggs and fry in their mouths. The young fry will leave their mother's mouth up to 12 days after hatching. The baby fish remain with their mother for approximately three weeks. If a perceived threat occurs, the tiny fry will flee back into their mother's mouth for protection.
Sexual Maturity and Sexuality
- The tilapia reaches sexual maturity at a young age. In its native habitat, the fish will reach sexual maturity later than when far- raised. The Nile tilapia reaches maturity at 12 months old, but farm-raised fish can achieve full sexual maturity at only 5 or 6 months old. Fish farms usually cultivate the male tilapia because it grows twice as fast as the female. Guaranteeing a predominantly male tilapia population entails feeding the fish hormone induced foods when fry, or undertaking hybrid breeding practices.
Adaptation
- In its wild habitat, the tilapia mainly feeds on plankton. The fish traps the small prey in the mucus it secretes in its gills. Once trapped, the fish simply swallows the mucus filled with plankton. Highly adaptable, the tilapia can withstand warm water temperatures, low oxygen and saline conditions. The fish also shows an exceptional resistance to viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases that can plague other cultivated fish types. It prefers residing in a water body with a mud bottom. They also live in schools in the wild.

Animals & Science