Leo, thanks for joining in.
ANY tilapia will be losing it's disease resistance in 55 degree waters and is unlikely to survive a winter, plus the fact the stockings here are all in predator filled ponds so a death to at least an infection will be near certain.
Depending on a pond owners goal, there is really no upper limit to stocking tilapia, especially when using them to grow large Bass.
It is also not wise to stock tilapia in a pond as full grown adults or in "graded" sizes as you will be more likely to get fish of all one sex and the goals in stocking will never be met.
Stocking a wide mix of sizes anywhere from 2-12" is by far the wisest way to stock...This ensures a mixed sex stocked.
Only a PURE strain of Blue Tilapia can be safely initially in water temps of 62 degrees..ANY other hybrid or species can not be stocked safely till water temps reach 70 degrees or the stockers will be lethargic, and easily preyed upon.
