Tilapia

Restricted noxious fish under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 

Listed in the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive species, they are also regarded as one of the greatest threats to Australia’s aquatic ecosystems. Once established in a river or stream, eradication is almost impossible.

Highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, these ornamental fish from eastern Africa aggressively out-compete and displace native fish in waterways and also damage stream beds and aquatic plants due to their nesting behaviour.

Preventing their spread is critical to the health of our aquatic ecosystems and the industries that rely on them. Never dispose dead or live Tilapia into waterways (females carry eggs in their mouths) and report all sightings online or by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23. You can also report sightings using the FeralFishScan app. Learn how to identify, control and prevent the spread of this aggressive waterway pest from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Tilapia fact sheet, and download a flyer for more identification tips and how how to STOP THE SPREAD in the Fitzroy Basin.