Blue tilapia in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Oreochromis aureus
Overview
Widespread and abundant in Florida; found in fertile lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and canals. It is tolerant of saltwater and found in some near shore marine habitats, such as tampa bay. Native to north africa and the middle east.
Typical size
Big catch minimum: longer than 18 inches or heavier than 5 pounds
At a glance
- Regions
- Tampa bay, statewide freshwater
- Water
- Freshwater
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 10 lb 1 oz
- Length
- 20.5 in (1.71 ft)
- Location
- Rodman reservoir, putnam county
- Date
- Nov 18, 2024
- Angler
- James hamilton
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
10.09 lb; 20.5 in; by james hamilton; on 11/18/2024; at rodman reservoir, putnam county
When to fish
Season notes
Months mentioned in profile narrative (not a fishing calendar): may no recreational fishing season calendar; non-game, imperiled, nonnative, or non-angling taxon.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Tampa bay & statewide freshwater
Water
Freshwater
Habitat
Widespread and abundant in Florida; found in fertile lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and canals. It is tolerant of saltwater and found in some near shore marine habitats, such as tampa bay. Native to north africa and the middle east.
Videos
Sources
- Myfwc.com (3 pages)
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.