The word tilapia was first associated with mouth-breeding cichlids. The most common Tilapia is the Tilapia mossambica this mouth breeding species originated in Africa. The female usually carries the eggs, which is said to be fertilized within her mouth.
It was first introduced as an exotic aquarium fishes until it was introduced in the tropic as a food fish. This fish takes in any food and very productive.
In the Philippines tilapia is the second most sought after fish, the first being the milkfish or bangus. In 1972 it was introduced in our country and since then it’s popularity is raising.