Oreochromis mossambicus (fish)

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General Impact When introduced, Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) may be a possible threat to native species through competition for food and nest space. Juveniles have been documented to feed on other fish (de Moor et al. 1986). Tilapia are now generally considered to be pests. Eradication has been suggested on Tarawa and Nauru (Eldredge, 2000). In Hawai‘i, this species is suspected to be a threat to native species such as striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) (Randall 1987; Devick 1991). Tilapia also have been considered a major factor in the decline of the desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) in the Salton Sea area (Courtenay and Robins, 1989; Swift et al. 1993). Because of its presence in Dade County, Florida, Courtenay (1989) indicated that the Mozambique tilapia may eventually enter Everglades National Park.          Location Specific Impacts: Lake Cunningham (Bahamas)   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with the threatened native Bahama pupfish (Cyprinodon laciniatus) resulting in declining abundance of these fish (Barton, 1999). Lake Killarney (Bahamas)   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with the threatened native Bahama pupfish (Cyprinodon laciniatus) resulting in declining abundance of these fish (Barton, 1999). Bahamas   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with the threatened native Bahama pupfish (Cyprinodon laciniatus) resulting in declining abundance of these fish (Barton, 1999). South India (India)   Reduction in native biodiversity: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) are thought to alter the assemblage of native fishes. Morelos (Mexico)   Competition: Stocking of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in ponds has resulted in displacement of other fish species. Economic/Livelihoods: Stocking of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in ponds has resulted in a net decrease in fisheries production, due to competition with other fish species. Crater Lakes (Mexico)   Threat to endangered species: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with the vulnerable silverside fish charal de la caldera (see Chirostoma bartoni in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) that is endemic to La Alberca crater-lake. Laguna Chichancanab (Mexico)   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with the native Cyprinodon species for habitat, resulting in declining abundance of these fish. Buada Lagoon (Nauru)   Economic/Livelihoods: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) have caused the collapse of milkfish aquaculture. New Caledonia (Nouvelle Calédonie)   Threat to endangered species: The introduction of two tilapia species (Oreochromis mossambicus and Sarotherodon occidentalis) in 1955, followed by that of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in 1960, has led to a decrease in numbers of galaxias (Galaxias neocaledonicus). These introduced species preyed on the different stages of G. neocaledonicus (Keith 2002). Malakal Is. (Palau)   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) can build large populations that often disrupt or eliminate populations of native species, usually due to their high numbers reached via reproduction (Courtenay, W., pers. comm., 2004). Predation: There is recent evidence that Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), many of which feed on detritus or algae, will also eat small fishes (Courtenay, W., pers. comm., 2004). Western Cape (South Africa)   Competition: Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) compete with native species of fish. Upper San Antonio River (United States (USA))   Competition: It is thought that competition by Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) are affecting other species of fish.