Which freshwater fish is also known as the Nile tilapia?

Oreochromis niloticus is the freshwater fish also known as the Nile tilapia.

The Nile tilapia is native to freshwater habitats in northern and eastern Africa, including the Nile basin and several major lakes and river systems. It has become one of the world’s most important farmed fish because it grows quickly, accepts a wide range of feeds, and tolerates varied environmental conditions.

The species is a mouthbrooder: after spawning, the female commonly holds the eggs and young in her mouth, protecting them from predators. This behavior is typical of many cichlids and is one reason tilapia can reproduce successfully in suitable waters.

Nile tilapia are sometimes confused with other farmed tilapias, especially Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Those are different species, despite their similar appearance and overlapping aquaculture uses.