Tilapia(Oreochromis spp.)

Tilapia are members of the cichlid family and are not native to Louisiana. Tilapia are often used as forage fish for recreational ponds and can be extremely detrimental if released into public water bodies. Tilapia of the genus Oreochromis reproduce several times a year and are mouth brooders, providing parental protection for their young. If left uncontrolled, these fishes can over-populate a system and reduce numbers of native species, compete with game fishes, and alter the habitat by increasing turbidity and disturbing vegetation.

An introduced population of Oreochromis spp. were discovered in southern Louisiana in 2008. Efforts were made to remove the population using a fish toxicant, rotenone. Native fishes were stocked following the treatments and no tilapia have been observed since 2011.