Origin
Tilapia mariae is native to Africa. Spotted tilapia were introduced as accidental or intentional releases from the aquarium trade.

Life Cycle
Adult T. mariae are 13 in. (33 cm) in length and weigh approximately 3 lb (1.4 kg). Males are larger than females. Coloration is light yellow to bronze with 6-9 bars or spots along the side. Fish are omnivorous in diet. Spotted tilapia reach sexual maturity at 7 in. (18 cm). T. mariae spawn on hard substrates with both parents guarding the eggs. The preferred habitat of T. mariae is lakes, ponds, and slow-moving canals.

Distribution
T. mariae is established in Florida. Reports of spotted tilapia are in Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.

Control Efforts
In Florida, it is illegal to transport live tilapia except, blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), without a special permit.

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/freshwater/spotted-tilapia/
https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ans/erss/highrisk/Tilapia-mariae-WEB-10-1-12.pdf
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=482
 

Resources

---

• Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Selected Images

---

Maps

---

Invasive Listing Sources

---

• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership

References

---

Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.