Freshwater fishes native to
Africa and Israel.
Intentionally introduced or illegally released into Hawaiian streams and
irrigation systems. Several species have become invasive and may
be adapted to brackish or saltwater. They feed upon plants and
invertebrates, grow, reproduce and hybridize readily, and frequently
displace native species. Due to hybridization pure wild species
are rare. Tilapia are farmed around the world for their mild white
flesh.
