Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations ID Help on Tilapia.

This looks nothing like the Blues I had last summer but this is from fry I saved over winter in my aquarium.

OK, I will take a stab at this one. I raise a few tilapia, probably still considered quite the amateur, but that sure looks like a Mozambique to me. Anyone else. Come on Rainman.

Does NOT look like a Blue to me. But then I've heard a lot of Tilapia sold for stocking (including the ones I've had) are hybrids, so I'm not sure I know what they should look like.

Where does one get tilapia at? I find it hard to trust EBAY. If I understand right they don't survive in Kansas winters. I would like to get a head start and purchase some for next spring.

One generally orders them from a nearby fish stocking service (see the PB Resouirce Guide for examples).

If one desires (virtually all) same sex Tilapia (which could be an advantage for a small micro pond where no breeding was desired) you may be able to get them from a nearby aquaculture-for-food fish farm (there is one within esy driving distance of me where this is an option).

Rstringer, I have a seller on ebay that has been fantastic to deal with, I've bought many batches of Blues and raised to intermediates and sold them to folks near me. If you want the source, PM me as I'm not going to take sales away from people that buy space here. These are all 1/2-3/4" fish and to my knowledge, that's not a target for sales here.

Theo, I've been told the same as well on the Hybrid situation, and I have to wonder, if like many species they tend to revert back to parent stock characteristics...

I have 2 suppliers that I buy several thousand from every year and they are nothing but phenomenal. If you need their information feel free to message me.

I would say it`s definitely say it`s cross Moz/Blue.

That's a handsome fish Ken. How long is it? Looks at least 9".

Good guess! 257mm (10.11")

It wasn't entirely a guess. For rough estimates of fish lengths, I often use my hand which gives me a ball park length really quick. My first impression at first seeing the photo was >10" but I knew if I guessed too long ... I might get ribbed a little by the crew. That fish probably weighs between .85 and 1.00 lbs depending on available foods and my impression is that it is on the hefty side. A really great fish.

I added some panfish weights but not sure about sample size as it is what it is. Is it a good representation? not sure how to figure that over time..

I am way late for this, but that is a blue/moz cross...Very unusual coloring that only a few I have raised ever had...BTW, I deliver every spring to Lake of the Forest in Bonner Springs and a few private ponds in KS

Snipe, the problem with tilapia hybrids is the cold tolerance. Pure blues can go to 45...any hybrid, any generation will drop dead at 52, best

Rex, just a hint, I wouldn't think of making any fish runs this week. Knowing the way your luck goes. LOL

HA! I will be heading to SE Indiana to lay about 80 feet of 12 inch SDR35 for the inlet of the below grade siphon system I am working on....once lined up with the crossover pipe, I'll cut the ice with a chainsaw to lower it to the bottom

Bring your snow shovel. 8"-12" snow predicted tonight with more on the way for Thurs/Friday.