Tilapia facts for kids

Tilapia at a fish farm in Kenya.

Tilapia are a type of fish that many people raise for food. They are also popular as pets in aquariums. These fish usually live in warm, fresh water areas. However, some kinds of tilapia can also live in brackish water. This is water that is a mix of fresh and salty water, like in estuaries. You can find tilapia naturally in Africa, North America, South America, India, and Sri Lanka.

What are Tilapia?

Tilapia are freshwater fish that belong to the Cichlidae family. They are known for being very hardy and able to adapt to different environments. This makes them easy to farm and grow. They are also quite tasty, which is why they are a popular food source around the world.

Where Tilapia Live

Tilapia originally came from Africa and the Middle East. Over time, people moved them to many other parts of the world. They now live in warm climates across North and South America, Asia, and other regions. They prefer warm waters, so you won't find them in very cold places.

Tilapia as an Introduced Species

Sometimes, when animals are moved to a new place, they can cause problems for the local environment. Tilapia are known as an "introduced species" in many areas. This means they were brought there by humans, not by nature. They can grow very quickly and have many babies. This allows them to take over from the fish that naturally live in those rivers and lakes.

For example, in the Endeavour River in Queensland, Australia, tilapia were likely released from someone's aquarium. They quickly spread and became a problem. They can eat the food that native fish need and even eat the eggs of other fish. This can harm the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Why Tilapia are Farmed

Tilapia are one of the most important farmed fish in the world. They grow fast and can live in crowded conditions, which makes them good for farming. They also eat a variety of foods, making them easy to feed. Fish farming helps provide food for many people around the globe. It also helps reduce the pressure on wild fish populations.

Images for kids

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  The Tomb of Nakht, from 1500 BC, shows a tilapia drawing above the main figure's head.

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  Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

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  Red Nile tilapia being studied in the CLSU in the Philippines.

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  Escabeche is a dish made with fresh tilapia.

See also

In Spanish: Tilapia para niños