Oreochromis niloticus
(Nile tilapia)

Pictures

Picture	Title	Caption	Copyright
Title Adult Caption Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult female. Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. October 2007. Copyright ©W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146)/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0	Adult	Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult female. Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. October 2007.	©W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146)/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0
Title Adult Caption Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult male. Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. October 2007. Copyright ©W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146)/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0	Adult	Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult male. Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia. October 2007.	©W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146)/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0
Title Adult Caption Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult. Copyright ©Germano Roberto Schüür/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 4.0	Adult	Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult.	©Germano Roberto Schüür/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 4.0
Title Tilapia hybrid Caption Tilapia, hybrid Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus. Copyright ©Ana Milstein	Tilapia hybrid	Tilapia, hybrid Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus.	©Ana Milstein
Title GIFT strain Caption Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult of the GIFT strain Copyright ©Benoy K. Barman	GIFT strain	Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia); adult of the GIFT strain	©Benoy K. Barman

Identity

Preferred Scientific Name

• Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Preferred Common Name

• Nile tilapia

Other Scientific Names

• Chromis guentheri Steindachner, 1864
• Chromis nilotica (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Chromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Oreochromis nilotica Linnaeus, 1758
• Oreochromis niloticus niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Perca nilotica Linnaeus, 1758
• Sarotherodon niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Tilapia calciati Gianferrari, 1924
• Tilapia nilotica Linnaeus, 1758
• Tilapia nilotica nilotica (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Tilapia nilotious (Linnaeus, 1758)

International Common Names

• English: cichlid; edward tilapia; mango fish; mozambique tilapia; nilotica; tilapia, Nile
• Spanish: mojarra; tilapia del Nilo; tilapia nilótica
• French: tilapia de Nil; tilapia du Nil
• Arabic: boulti
• Chinese: lou fei

Local Common Names

• Cambodia: trey tilapia chhnoht
• Ethiopia: koroso; qoroosoo
• Germany: Nilbuntbarsch; Nil-Maulbrüter; Tilapie
• Ghana: akpafiatsi; didee
• India: tilapia
• Israel: amnun yeor
• Japan: chikadai
• Kenya: chambo; ngege; nyamami
• Laos: nin
• Nigeria: bugu; epia; falga; garagaza; gargaza; ifunu; karfasa; karwa; mpupa; tome; tsokungi; ukuobu
• Philippines: pla pla; tilapia; tilapiya
• Poland: tilapia nilowa
• Portugal: tilápia-do-Nilo
• Senegal: wass
• Sweden: munruvare
• Tanzania: chambo; ngege; perege; sato
• Thailand: pla nil
• Uganda: ngege; uganda

Summary of Invasiveness

The Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is an African freshwater cichlid and one of the world’s most important food fishes. Owing to its hardy nature, and its wide range of trophic and ecological adaptations, it has been widely introduced for aquaculture, augmentation of capture fisheries and sport fishing (Trewavas, 1983; Welcomme, 1988), and is now found in every country in the tropics. The Nile tilapia is often described as a 'pioneer' species, meaning that it thrives in disturbed habitats, opportunistically migrating and reproducing. These traits mean that Nile tilapia often outcompetes native species in areas where it has been introduced.

Taxonomic Tree

• Domain: Eukaryota
•     Kingdom: Metazoa
•         Phylum: Chordata
•             Subphylum: Vertebrata
•                 Class: Actinopterygii
•                     Order: Perciformes
•                         Family: Cichlidae
•                             Genus: Oreochromis
•                                 Species: Oreochromis niloticus

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Tilapia is a common name that is now applied to several genera and species of fish that were formerly classified in the genus Tilapia, in the Family Cichlidae. In the reclassification scheme developed by Trewavas (1983) the several hundred species of Tilapia were split into three genera, Oreochromis, Sarotherodon and some remained as Tilapia.

Fishbase (Froese and Pauly, 2011) provides data on the Nile tilapia as O. niloticus niloticus, distinguished from 7 other subspecies: O. niloticus filoa, baringoensis, cancellatus, eduardianus, sugutae, tana and vulcani.

Distribution

Nile tilapia is a freshwater cichlid native to the Nile River basin; the south-western Middle East; the Niger, Benue, Volta and Senegal rivers, and the lakes Chad, Tanganyika, Albert, Edward, and Kivu (Trewavas, 1983; Daget et al., 1991). It has been introduced – mostly for farming purposes – into more than 50 countries on all the continents except Antarctica (Pullin et al., 1997), and is now found in virtually every country within the tropics.

In most areas in which Nile tilapia has been introduced, especially in southern Africa, most occurrence data records are limited to monitoring surveys conducted by various national fisheries departments. These surveys are limited to major rivers and reservoirs with viable artisanal and commercial fisheries, such as the Kafue River (Zambia), Lake Kariba (Zambia/Zimbabwe border) and Lake Chicamba (Mozambique). This paucity of information makes it difficult to ascertain exactly those areas where Nile tilapia has been introduced and to predict those areas where it is likely to spread. This can be compounded by the fact that it is often difficult to identify habitats where it has established using standard morphological identification, as Nile tipalia can interbreed with congeners.

Distribution Table

The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.

Introductions

Risk of Introduction

Despite the well-documented adverse ecological effects of Nile tilapia on recipient river systems (see Canonico et al., 2005 and references therein), it is among one of the most widely cultured species in aquaculture and stock enhancements (Suresh, 2003) and it has been introduced into more than 50 countries on all continents except Antarctica (Pullin et al., 1997). In addition, Nile tilapia has been extensively propagated locally by farmers and anglers for recreational and sport fishing into small- and medium-sized reservoirs, often circumventing permitting processes. As a consequence, these movements are not usually documented or monitored.

Nile tilapia is well-suited for aquaculture because of its wide range of trophic and ecological adaptations, and its adaptive life history characteristics that enable it to occupy many different tropical and sub-tropical freshwater niches (Trewavas, 1983). These attributes have inherently predisposed it to be a successful invasive species, with established feral populations in most tropical and sub-tropical environments in which it has either been cultured or has otherwise gained access to (Welcomme, 1988; Pullin et al., 1997; Costa-Pierce, 2003; Canonico et al., 2005). However, predicting the areas where Nile tilapia will spread, once introduced to and area, can be difficult.

Decisions on exotic fish introductions are usually based on a trade-off between socio-economic benefits and potential adverse ecological effects (Cowx, 1999). In Zambia, for example, aquaculture projects rearing Nile tilapia have been ardently promoted within the Zambezi River system, and the inevitable fish escapes from such facilities have led to the establishment of feral populations in river systems such as the Kafue River (Schwank, 1995) and tributaries of the Upper Kapombo River, and Nile tilapia will probably futher spread in the upper Zambezi River, where indigenous Oreochromis species such as O. andersonii and O. macrochir will be at risk of being outcompeted (Tweddle, 2010).

Habitat List

Biology and Ecology

Reproductive Biology

Nile tilapia are maternal mouthbrooders. A female lays her eggs in a simple nest prepared by the male, the male fertilizes the eggs and then the female picks the eggs up and incubates them in her mouth. Even after eggs hatch, fry will remain in the mother’s mouth. Once the fry are free-swimming they will return to her mouth for protection. Females can produce several hundred to several thousand young per spawn.

Climate

Air Temperature

Water Tolerances

Natural enemies

Notes on Natural Enemies

O. niloticus is predated upon by shoreline birds, large piscivorous fish (such as tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus, Nile perch Lates niloticus and catfish Claris gariepinus) and crocodiles.

Means of Movement and Dispersal

Introduced Accidental

Nile tilapia has repeatedly reached new areas after escaping from nearby fish farms, such as in the Middle Zambezi, Nata (Makgadikgadi/Okavango), Runde-Save, Buzi and Limpopo River systems (Schwank, 1995; van der Waal and Bills 1997; 2000; Tweddle and Wise, 2007; Weyl, 2008; Zengeya and Marshall, 2008).

Intentional Introduction

Nile tilapia has been widely introduced for aquaculture, augmentation of capture fisheries, and sport fishing (Trewavas, 1983; Welcomme, 1988).

Impact Summary

Economic Impact

In most invaded systems, Nile tilapia has had a pronounced impact on fisheries, in terms of increased food production and poverty alleviation, by creating alternative aquaculture and fisheries livelihoods (Wise et al., 2007). Interestingly, the establishment of Nile tilapia in novel systems has not led to a decrease in overall yields, but rather a replacement of indigenous species (Ogutu–Ohwayo, 1991; Twongo, 1995; Balirwa et al., 2003; Shipton et al., 2008; Weyl, 2008). In some cases, Nile tilapia has supplanted desirable species from the fishery setups, such as in Lake Victoria, where Nile tilapia is often regarded as being of inferior quality in comparison to the various haplochromines that it supplanted and therefore, commands lower market prices (Wise et al., 2007).

Environmental Impact

Tilapia introductions were often associated with severe environmental change, especially construction of reservoirs and large-scale irrigation projects. Many populations of tilapia are now so well established they are a permanent part of the fish community. Introduced tilapia often will develop large populations and male Nile tilapia will create nesting areas that will cover large areas of disturbed bottom sediments. The male’s aggressive protection of nest territory may impact native nest builders.

Impact on Biodiversity

Nile tilapia have been distributed throughout the tropics. In many cases this distribution occurred before any scientific evaluation of natural aquatic ecosystems. The environmental impact in most cases can only be assumed and in most cases is equally related to considerable anthropogenic changes in the environment.

Threatened Species

Social Impact

Tilapia’s major social impact is as an important source of protein in many developing countries. A second important impact is as a source of employment producing tilapia for export. In Brazil, tilapia also support the fee fishing recreational activities. One important social impact of tilapia aquaculture is the increase in household incomes from small farms and eateries associated with farms. Another impact is the benefit to women involved with tilapia farming. Hatcheries and genetic improvement programs employ many highly educated women in developing countries. These positions are especially important in locations where women with advanced degrees in biology have a difficult time finding employment commensurate with their education. Processing plants also hire large numbers of unskilled women for the processing line and skilled women for quality assurance. Finally, Nile tilapia, also known as Egyptian Mouth Breeders, are a popular aquarium fish.

Risk and Impact Factors

• Invasive in its native range
• Proved invasive outside its native range
• Has a broad native range
• Abundant in its native range
• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Is a habitat generalist
• Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
• Pioneering in disturbed areas
• Capable of securing and ingesting a wide range of food
• Highly mobile locally
• Fast growing
• Has high reproductive potential
• Has high genetic variability

• Altered trophic level
• Changed gene pool/ selective loss of genotypes
• Conflict
• Damaged ecosystem services
• Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
• Modification of natural benthic communities
• Modification of nutrient regime
• Negatively impacts cultural/traditional practices
• Reduced native biodiversity
• Threat to/ loss of endangered species
• Threat to/ loss of native species

• Competition - monopolizing resources
• Competition
• Pest and disease transmission
• Herbivory/grazing/browsing
• Hybridization
• Interaction with other invasive species
• Rapid growth

• Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
• Highly likely to be transported internationally illegally
• Difficult to identify/detect in the field
• Difficult/costly to control

Uses

Tilapias are the third most farmed fish in the world after carps and salmonids, accounting for 4% of global aquaculture production (FAO, 2010). Aquaculture is perceived as a means of protein security, poverty alleviation and economic development in many developing countries (NEPAD, 2005).

The Nile tilapia is well-suited for aquaculture because of its wide range of trophic and ecological adaptations, as well as its adaptive life history characteristics that enable it to occupy many different tropical and sub-tropical freshwater niches (Trewavas, 1983).

Along with the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, the Nile tilapia is the most important tilapia in aquaculture. They are among the ten most introduced fish species in the world, and together they account for 99.5% of global tilapia production (FAO 2010). Since the mid-1980s, there has been a shift in producer preference away from the Mozambique tilapia towards culturing Nile tilapia, as the latter has a higher growth rate and a reduced tendency to stunt.  Nile tilapia now dominates global tilapia aquaculture production, accounting for 72%, or 474 000 tons, in 1995 (FAO, 2010).

Detection and Inspection

Nile tilapia is easily recognised by its caudal fin, which is distinctively striped, with 30-34 lateral scales and 20-26 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch. Breeding males have a red flush on the lower head, body, dorsal and caudal fins (Trewavas, 1983; Daget et al., 1991; Skelton, 2001).

However, the morphological identification of Nile tilapia in areas with congeneric Oreochromis species is not clearly defined, as there is considerable variation and broad interspecific overlaps in meristic and morphometric characters that are used in species identification (Trewavas, 1983). This is further complicated by the fact that Nile tilapia easily hybridises with it congeners and produces hybrids that are difficult to identify morphologically, as back-crosses resemble parental species (Trewavas, 1983). This clearly poses a serious problem for the control and management of Nile tilapia, as it is often difficult to identify habitats where it has established using standard morphological identification.

Diagnosis

To circumvent morphological identification problems of Nile tilapia, a combination of genetic and morphometric analyses can be done to identify Oreochromis species (see D’Amato et al., 2007; Firmat et al., 2013).

Prevention and Control

Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.

Prevention

When deciding what species should be used for aquaculture and where, a precautionary approach is recommended, particularly in areas thought to be highly suitable for the establishment of Nile tilapia. Introductions of Nile tilapia should be restricted to catchments where it has already established, and prohibited in pristine areas that are still free of invasion. In addition, and if possible, potential point sources of Nile tilapia should be eradicated in non-invaded river systems.

Alternatively, the use of indigenous species could be promoted and enhanced through stock improvement and better farming methods. It should be noted, however, that the alternative species should also not be introduced to novel river systems outside their native range, as they would possibly pose the same invasion-related problems as encountered with Nile tilapia.

There is a need to implement regular monitoring programmes in most river catchments and also to educate farmers and anglers about the ecological impacts that invasive species such as Nile tilapia have on indigenous congeners.

Domestication and Breeding

There are some steps that aquaculture operations can take to mitigate any additional harm of Nile tilapia introductions. The eventual goal should be to develop fully domesticated strains of tilapia that will have little chance of surviving outside a culture setting, in much the same manner as most domestic farm animals. The industry is well on its way with tilapia. Red strains of Nile tilapia are an important step, as red Nile tilapia are only found in domesticated populations and they have very little chance of surviving in the wild. Predation is high from birds, fish and humans because they are so visible in the water. Strains that have been bred to have very large fillets and a more rounded body form are also unlikely to survive outside a farm. Finally, all-male populations, developed from hybrids, sex-reversal or genetically male parentage, are less likely to be able to establish a breeding population off farm. All of these techniques should be considered as contributing to the reduction of the ability of tilapia to impact native communities.

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Links to Websites

Contributors

02/10/13 Datasheet reviewed by:

Tsungai Zengeya, Univeristy of Pretoria, South Africa

First Author
Kevin Fitzsimmons
University of Arizona, Environmental Research Lab, Soil, Water & Environ Sci Dept, 2601 E. Airport Dr, Tucson, AZ 85706, USA

Distribution Maps