Tilapia    Oreochromis spp.    St. Peters Fish, Red Tilapia, Gold Tilapia

A fresh water fish native to Africa, it is the second most farmed fish in the world, just behind carp.  Tilapia are raised in warm waters around the globe and some wild product is harvested in Florida.

The Tilapia's flesh has a sweet flavor and is tender with a fine flake. 

Like trout tilapia can be displayed live in tanks and with the variety of colors marketed well to the consuming public.  The quality of the fish will depend largely on the diet and water in which it was raised. Tilapia are like sponges and absorb flavors in the water in which they are kept.  Tilapia in the wild often have a musty taste because they are vegetarians and often feed off  blue green algae.

If the meat of Tilapia has a grayish hue or is dull in color it is past its prime and should be avoided.

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