Tilapia, Mozambique and blue*
Two populations of tilapia have been introduced to the U.S. through escapes from fish farms — the Mozambique tilapia, which is native to southern coastal Africa, and the blue tilapia, native to the Middle East and parts of Northern Africa. These fish are now established throughout many warmer southern states from Hawai`i to Florida. Tilapias can tolerate a wide range of salinity, and so can live in freshwater or marine habitats (and everything in between). Tilapias can be a threat to native species because of competition for food and habitat; the presence of invasive tilapia populations can lead to declines in wild populations of native fish. Tilapia is white-fleshed and mild-flavored, and a popular food choice in many countries. It is already growing in popularity in the U.S.
*Contaminants unknown, no incidents reported.
