Is tilapia a salt or fresh water fish?

Tilapia, scientifically known as Oreochromis niloticus, can tolerate both fresh and brackish (slightly salty) waters. They are euryhaline species, meaning they are able to adapt to a wide range of salinities.

Tilapia are mainly freshwater fish and are native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. They have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia, where they are often farmed in freshwater environments.

However, some tilapia species, like the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), exhibit tolerance to higher salinity levels. These species can be found in brackish waters such as estuaries and coastal lagoons, where the salinity levels can vary due to tidal fluctuations or freshwater input.

Tilapia's ability to tolerate both fresh and brackish water makes them versatile and suitable for aquaculture in a variety of environments. This characteristic contributes to their widespread distribution and importance in global food production.