Science Name: | Oreochromis aurea |
World Record: | 4 lbs. 7 ounces Santiago |
Environment: | Stream, river, & lakes |
Techniques: | light tackle, casting |
Range: | Southern and central Florida. |
Subspecies
It is a distinct species with no known subspecies.
Habitat
They are found in fertile lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and canals.
Spawning Habits
Spawning activities occur when the water temperature exceeds 68-72 F. Males dig
a pit with their mouth and fins in shallow water over a sandy bottom and
actively defend their territory. The male will swim out to a passing female and
lead her to the nest where courtship occurs. The female lays batches of eggs
which the male fertilizes. She immediately takes the eggs into her mouth and
swims off. The male will resume spawning with another female.
Feeding habits
Blue tilapia at all sizes feed primarily on phytoplankton and zooplankton. The
top three foods consumed by blue tilapia from Lake Alice and Lake George in
central Florida were diatoms, green algae, and detritus.
Age and Growth
Blue tilapia grow rapidly the first few years of life and can reach a large
size. Fish weighing 3 to 4 pounds are common. The largest caught in Florida
weighed 10 pounds and was over 21 inches in length. A sample of blue tilapia
collected from Lake Lena, FL, yielded a maximum age of 6 years and indicated
that males were larger at each age than females.
Sporting Qualities
Although not normally known for their sporting quality, tilapia will bite a hook
and are often taken by urban anglers on bait such as small pieces of hot dog,
bread balls or dog food.
Eating Qualities
Blue tilapia have white flaky meat with a mild flavor and are considered
excellent eating.