Blue Tilapia

Blue Tilapia are freshwater fish with a high tolerance for brackish and colder waters, and aquaponics enthusiasts appreciate their ability to serve as a natural biological control for many aquatic plant problems. Like all Tilapia, Blue Tilapia are one of the most popular fish species for both home and commercial aquaponics systems raising edible fish because they can be easily bred, they grow fast, and they can withstand a variety of water conditions and temperatures.

Tilapia can survive in temperatures ranging from 55˚ - 100˚ F, though optimal temperatures for Tilapia range from 60˚ - 85˚ F. Blue Tilapia begin to spawn when water temperatures reach 68˚ F and above. They are mouth brooders, with the female collecting and holding the eggs in her mouth until hatching. Brood sizes range from 100 to 2,000 eggs depending on the size of the female. Adults are usually 10 to 18 inches in length and weigh 2 to 6 pounds. Other names for Blue Tilapia include Oreochromis aureus, Sarotherodon aurea, Tilapia aurea, and Isreali Tilapia.