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Nile Tilapia

Nile Tilapia

Nile Tilapia are non-native cichlids found in limited locations throughout California, primarily in the Colorado River system where they likely escaped from aquaculture operations.

Scientific Name: Oreochromis niloticus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These deep-bodied, laterally compressed fish feature 15-18 dorsal spines, 12-14 rays, and distinctive regular vertical stripes on their caudal fins.
  • In California, they grow to 40-65 cm and can reach 4-7 kg, making them larger than other tilapia species.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in limited locations throughout California, primarily in the Colorado River system.
  • They inhabit warm waters in irrigation canals, particularly in Southern California's desert regions.

Key Locations

  • Focus on the Imperial Valley irrigation canals, agricultural runoff zones, and areas around the Salton Sea.
  • Colorado River system, Southern California's desert regions including the Imperial Valley and Salton Sea area.

Specific Spots

  • Fish the shallows around vegetation and weed cover where they naturally forage.

Nile Tilapia FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

How do you catch Nile Tilapia in California?

Fish the shallows around vegetation and weed cover where they naturally forage. They spook easily, so approach quietly and consider chumming with corn, peas, or bread to draw them closer to shore. Bowfishing is also legal in some California waters for these non-native fish.

What do Nile Tilapia eat?

They're primarily herbivorous, feeding on phytoplankton like cyanobacteria, bacteria, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates found on vegetation. Juveniles start with zooplankton and insects but become almost completely herbivorous at 5-6 cm.

Where do Nile Tilapia live in California?

Found in limited locations throughout California, primarily in the Colorado River system. They inhabit warm waters in irrigation canals, particularly in Southern California's desert regions.

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