Principal source: FAO. 2006. Cultured Aquatic Species Information Programme - Oreochromis niloticus. Text by Rakocy, J. E. In FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department [online]. Rome.
FAO, 2007. Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. Species Fact Sheets Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
FishBase., 2007. Oreochromis niloticus niloticus Nile tilapia: Summary
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Pam Fuller USGS/BRD, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program. Florida Integrated Science Center. USA
Publication date: 2008-03-27
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Oreochromis niloticus. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1322 on 07-10-2024.
Copp et al, (2005) Risk identification and assessment of non-native freshwater fishes presents a conceptual risk assessment approach for freshwater fish species that addresses the first two elements (hazard identification, hazard assessment) of the UK environmental risk strategy. The paper presents a few worked examples of assessments on species to facilitate discussion. The electronic Decision-support tools- Invasive-species identification tool kits that includes a freshwater and marine fish invasives scoring kit are made available on the Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) page for free download (subject to Crown Copyright (2007-2008)).
The dramatic rise in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture in the last two decades is considered a concern from a management perspective. Low-cost tilapia aquaculture operations are closely linked to reductions in water quality, since small scale farmers generally opt for cage culture, a method that interfaces directly with open water systems. This method is closely linked to water pollution issues as well as declines in native fish and aquatic plant populations. In Central America, most attempts to bring about local prosperity by tilapia farming have failed. While tilapia fetches a good price in American markets, native markets in countries like Nicaragua generally offer a lower quality and a rather unappetising fish product. Furthermore, tilapia often does not have a place in native diets (GISD, 2006).
Preventative measures: Mahmud-ul-Ameen (2000) writes that \"tiliapia may be recommended for those areas where native species are scarce or absent…[but] in a country…rich in diversity, introductions should be very restricted.\"
Chemical Faced with a tilapia threat, the island nation of Palau embarked on an eradication programme to remove tilapia from the country. A chemical (Rotenone) was applied directly to 5 infested sites. This effort was successful (Tilapia Eradication Project, 2004; Palau Biodiversity, undated).
Cultural: The island nation of Palau used education campaigns to warn the population about the negative impacts of tilapia infestation to local flora and fauna (Tilapia Eradication Project, 2004).