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Tilapia are an established, non-native species in Florida, with blue tilapia being the most commonFlorida, with blue tilapia being the most common.
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They are found in various freshwater and brackish water habitats throughout the state, including lakes, rivers, canals, and even near-shore marine environments.
While they are a popular food fish in aquaculture, their presence in Florida's wild is considered invasive due to their potential impact on native fish populations.
Key points about tilapia in Florida:
Invasive Species:
Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) are considered invasive by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Abundance:
They are widespread and abundant in Florida's freshwater systems, including nutrient-rich waters like stormwater ponds.
Salt Tolerance:
Tilapia, particularly blue tilapia, are tolerant of saltwater and can be found in brackish water environments like Tampa Bay.
Impact on Native Fish:
Tilapia compete with native fish for food and resources, potentially impacting their populations.
Fishing:
Tilapia are a popular target for anglers, with no size or bag limits, and no closed season, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Bait:
Anglers targeting tilapia often use corn, peas, or bread as bait.
Spotted Tilapia:
A separate species, spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae), is also present in Florida, particularly in South Florida, and is considered a prohibited species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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In central Florida, anglers can assume every tilapia they observe in fresh water is a blue, and any tilapia over 3 pounds is also likely a blue tilapia.
People also ask
Is Florida tilapia good to eat?
Edibility. White flaky meat with a mild flavor; considered excellent eating, and farm-raised fish often sold in grocery stores.
Is there wild tilapia in Florida?
Florida has a wild fishery of tilapia found in Central Florida lakes and Tampa Bay's brackish water estuary that are sold in regional seafood retail shops as fresh, gutted fish. Similar in appearance to bream, tilapia are produced with a wide range of skin colors, black to dark blue to brilliant golden red.
Why are there so many tilapias in Florida?
They were brought to FL in the 50s and 60s to be stocked in ponds to control algae and excess vegetation. Their population just exploded and attempts to eradicate them have failed. It's to the point that you don't even need a permit to stock them anymore. The state has essentially given up.
Are tilapias legal in Florida?
Special Note: Possession and transport of live tilapia in Florida is illegal without a special permit (except blue tilapia); can only be possessed if dead, so anglers wanting to eat this fish should immediately place them on ice.
Florida has a wild fishery of tilapia found in Central Florida lakes and Tampa Bay's brackish water estuary that are sold in regional seafood retail shops as ...
Special Note: Possession and transport of live tilapia in Florida is illegal without a special permit (except blue tilapia); can only be possessed if dead ...
Mar 12, 2024 · Spring time is when many fish are spawning or about to. They typically will not bite unless you piss them off by putting the jig or lure in ...
May 12, 2020 · ... tilapia are now established or potentially established in Florida and can be found in many waterbodies throughout the state. Like many other ...