Tilapia: How an invasive fish came to dominate our ecology, food and psyche

Tilapia: How an invasive fish came to dominate our ecology, food and psyche

By Aaron Savio Lobo

Source: monga bay

10/15/2020

Tilapia are among several fish species belonging to the family Cichlidae, native to Africa and the Middle East. Their ability to adapt to a wide variety of conditions, their omnivorous food habits and their popularity in the aquaculture sector have resulted in tilapias being introduced to several parts of the world.
The Mozambique and the Nile tilapia were introduced into India to boost food security. However, through both accident and intentional release, the species have established themselves through large sections of the country’s waterways, making their way into biodiversity hotspots as well.

Creating a market for an invasive species like the tilapia, if not done with a clear understanding about their threat to local ecosystems and reasons for their eradication, can have serious consequences for natural ecosystems and ecosystem services.
On the eve of the World Food Day (October 16), Aaron Savio Lobo examines the complex issues around tilapia in this commentary.

Tilapia

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