Nile tilapia
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States. It is found at depths of 0–20 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States runs all year.
Scientific name: Oreochromis niloticus · Water: Freshwater, Brackish · Season: All year
Size: 10–40 cm
Weight: 0.1–2 kg
About
The Nile tilapia, introduced to Hong Kong decades ago for mosquito control and aquaculture, is now widespread in streams, reservoirs and estuaries. It is omnivorous, pollution-tolerant and breeds very fast, so it can be caught all year and readily takes fine-hook presentations of paste or worm. Because it is a dominant invasive species, many fisheries advise against releasing it back.
Differences by region
- Hong Kong — Local name：Nile tilapia · Season：All year · Common methods：General · Size：10–40 cm · Weight：0.1–2 kg · Depth：0–20 m · Bottom / habitat： · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly
- Taiwan — Local name：Nile tilapia · Season：All year · Common methods：General · Size：10–40 cm · Weight：0.1–2 kg · Depth：0–20 m · Bottom / habitat： · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly, Iconic target
- Singapore — Local name：Nile tilapia · Season：All year · Common methods：Shore / surf · Size：15–40 cm · Weight：0.2–2 kg · Bottom / habitat： · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly
- Malaysia — Local name：Nile tilapia · Common methods：Shore / surf · Size：60 cm · Weight：5 kg · Bottom / habitat：Mud · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly, Iconic target
- United States — Local name：Nile tilapia · Common methods：General・Shore / surf · Size：60 cm · Bottom / habitat：Mud, Sand · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly
Ecology and habitat
- Water layer
- Near-bottom / mid-lower
- Depth
- 0–20 m
- Distribution status
- Introduced
- Trophic level
- 2.0
- Maximum age
- 9 years
Fishery and market
- Game fish
- No
- Resilience
- Medium
Angling traits
Methods
Sources
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