Nile tilapia
(Oreochromis niloticus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Oreochromis niloticus is native to tropical and subtropical African and the Middle East. Nile tilapia were introduced to the United States for aquaculture purposes.
Life Cycle
O. niloticus is often confused with blue tilapia (O. aureus). Distinguishable characteristics include 15-16 dorsal fins, 27-30 dorsal-fin rays, no distinct bands, the vermillion coloration of dorsal fin margins, and males are metallic blue in breeding color. Adult Nile tilapia are approximately 25 in. (63 cm) in length. Nile tilapia are primarily herbivorous.
Distribution
O. niloticus is established in Mississippi, potentially established in Florida and Georgia, and reported in Alabama and Arizona.
Control Efforts
O. niloticus compete with native fish and prey on local amphibians and small fish.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=468
Oreochromis niloticus is native to tropical and subtropical African and the Middle East. Nile tilapia were introduced to the United States for aquaculture purposes.
Life Cycle
O. niloticus is often confused with blue tilapia (O. aureus). Distinguishable characteristics include 15-16 dorsal fins, 27-30 dorsal-fin rays, no distinct bands, the vermillion coloration of dorsal fin margins, and males are metallic blue in breeding color. Adult Nile tilapia are approximately 25 in. (63 cm) in length. Nile tilapia are primarily herbivorous.
Distribution
O. niloticus is established in Mississippi, potentially established in Florida and Georgia, and reported in Alabama and Arizona.
Control Efforts
O. niloticus compete with native fish and prey on local amphibians and small fish.
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=468
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Apalachicola Invasive Working Group
- Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
- Florida Invasive Species Partnership
- Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia
- New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Regulated
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Perciformes |
| Family: Cichlidae |
| Genus: Oreochromis |
| Oreochromis niloticus |