Black Mozambique Tilapia

Black Mozambique Tilapia are a cichlid fish native to southeastern Africa. Amazingly, these hardy fish often live as long as 10 years in their native environments. Because Mozambique Tilapia readily adapt to available food sources and can breed even in less-than-favorable conditions, they are popular with aquaculture and aquaponics enthusiasts.

Black Mozambique Tilapia prefer temperatures ranging from 55° to 95° F and are well suited to fresh and brackish waters, but can live in saltwater and even in hypersaline conditions with salinity up to three times that of sea water. Black Mozambique Tilapia range from a dull green to solid black color, potentially with some weak banding. Adults can grow to 15 inches and weigh up to 2.4 pounds, though size and colors may vary depending on environment. It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.

This breed of Tilapia are often crossbred with other Tilapia species because pure-bred Mozambiques grow more slowly and have a body shape less well suited to cutting large fillets. On the plus side, hybrids between certain parent combinations can result in offspring that are all or predominantly male. Additionally, Mozambique Tilapia are a hardy fish, resistant to a wide variety of water quality issues and pollution levels. In captivity, Mozambique Tilapia have been taught to feed themselves with demand feeders and, in commercial breeding operations, often jump out of the water for food.