While a diner may not care about the sex of the tilapia they're eating, those who farm the fish do. Tilapia is the most popular farmed fish in the U.S. with Americans eating 475 million pounds of the mild, white fish in 2010. Male tilapia are favored over female by aquaculturists because they grow faster so bring in greater profits. However, sexing tilapia is a tricky business with two to five percent of tilapia incorrectly sexed even by professionals.
Instructions
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1
Wait until the tilapia weighs at least one ounce.
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2
Hold the fish in one hand while gently turning it over onto its back.
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3
Examine the genital papilla, which is immediately behind the anus. If you see only one opening, the tilapia is male. If you see two openings, it is female.
