Any of a number of freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae, particularly those within the genus Oreochromis. Occur in lakes and rivers across Africa; introduced for aquacultural purposes in many other parts of the world. Commercially important species include Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) and O. mossambicus (Mozambique tilapia). Flesh tends to be white or light pink in colour and firm, with a sweet and mild flavour. Marketed fresh and frozen.