TILAPIA

genus of fishes belonging to the family Cichlidae (order Perciformes), represented by numerous, mostly freshwater species native to Africa. Tilapia species are perhaps best known because of their potential as an easily raised and harvested food fish. Their commercial advantages include fast growth, resistance to disease, and a diet of readily abundant algae and zooplankton. The use of Tilapia in warm-water aquaculture systems dates back to the early Egyptian civilization. They have since been introduced into freshwater habitats in many warm parts of the world.