Nile tilapia

Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, once placed in the genus Tilapia as T. nilotica, is a cichlid fish that ranks among the most farmed species on Earth. Native to African rivers and lakes, it now grows in aquaculture on every continent thanks to fast growth, tolerance of varied water conditions, and mild white flesh that consumers accept readily. It is traded fresh and frozen in enormous volumes. Responsible farming demands good water quality, approved feeds, and disciplined use of veterinary drugs with proper withdrawal times, while post-harvest handling needs unbroken refrigeration from pond to retail to keep this perishable protein safe.