A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.
Biology, seasons and size reflect the canonical source record, which may contain Florida context. They are not state-specific guidance for every linked state. Missing fields remain unfilled.
Overview
Habitat summary
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.
Diet
feed, but whenever threatened they return to the female's mouth until they are about three weeks old. Feeding Habits: Feed primarily on plankton and small organisms living in or on bottom detritus; three most common foods consumed in Lake Alice and Lake George were diatoms, green algae, and detritus; dominant food items in stomachs of fish from Six-Mile Creek near Tampa were detritus, algae, diatoms, and plant material.
Aliases
Blue Tilapia
Water type
freshwater
When to fish
Seasonality
Spawning Habits: Spawning occurs when the water temperature exceeds 68 o F. The males continue to guard nests and may spawn again with another female.
Where to fish
Habitat summary
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.
Habitat zone
freshwater
Fishing zone
freshwater
How to catch
Not in the source.
Bait & lures
Not in the source.
Size
Catch minimum (source context, not current legal advice)
longer than 18 inches or heavier than 5 pounds
Records
Recorded catches retain their source scope; state and world catches are not national records.
state record evidence
Source context: Florida
Record type
florida state
Record weight lb
10.09
Record length in
20.5
Record location
Rodman Reservoir, Putnam County
Record date
11/18/2024
Record angler
James Hamilton
Record catch text
10.09 lb; 20.5 in; by James Hamilton; on 11/18/2024; at Rodman Reservoir, Putnam County
Place links are planning context, not proof of local species presence. Florida city links marked local context follow existing directory relationships, not catch reports.
Real local listings currently cover Florida only. Boat-ramp, charter and creator links below follow existing Florida species relationships. Bait-shop links are city context only, not species-targeting evidence.
Boat ramps — Florida
Selected examples from 1580 source-linked directory records.
Navigation links share a recorded scientific genus or a source state and water-type grouping. This is not a claim of identical habitat or legal targeting.
LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.