From Syria to East Africa through Congo to Liberia. Introduced to many parts of the world next to Tilapia mossambica. An important cultured fish al over the world.

Reported to be a plankton feeder can tolerate extremes of water quality Parameters like salinity and pH. It is an omnivore and plant matter dominates the diet. Used as a weed control fish due to this character. It is found both in brackish and fresh water and considered as one of the hardiest among tilapias. Salinity tolerance up to 35 ppt. Temperature tolerance is poor at low temperatures below 12^oC. Hybrids are more cold resistant. Little bit aggressive towards other species when cultured together.

Mature at 10-17 cm. And 4-5 month. Spawn at 22-24^oC. Number of eggs per clutch up to 2000. Male will dig the holes in the pond bottom. Females will deposit 75-250 eggs in to the nest and take the eggs in to the mouth. The male will release the sperm, which will be collected by the female, and fertilization will take place inside female’s mouth. The sole function of mouth brooding is the protection from predation.

Growth is dependent on the stocking density and availability of food. It will reach a size of 850 grams in 1 year and 450 grams in brackish water. If the males and females are stocked together the size attained would be 85-140 grams in 1 year. Maximum reported growth 50 cm and 2.5 kg. 18-20 cms/year. Males grow faster than females.

Used as food fish in many parts of the world. It is considered as a Subsistence species in many part of the world due to the lack of much management skills needed for the raising of them.

Tilapia is cultured as monoculture as well as polyculture in many parts of the world. To control the profuse breeding of the fish monosex culture is generally practiced. Sex reversal by the use of hormones or by the genetic manipulation is generally used. Control of the young ones produced by introduction of predator is found to be effective. The use of floating cages has been found to be effective in controlling the reproduction as they are kept away from the bottom. Tilapia is also used as a filter feeder and an effective weed control measures. It is used as a component in the rice cum fish culture practice.

Bardach, J.E., J.H. Ryther, and W.O. McLarney. 1972. Aquaculture The farming and husbandry of freshwater and marine organisms. John Wiley & Sons New York.