Tilapia is an inexpensive, mild-flavored fish. It is the fourth most commonly consumed type of seafood in the United States. Many people love tilapia because it is relatively affordable and doesn’t taste very fishy.

The name tilapia actually refers to several species of mostly freshwater fish that belong to the cichlid family.

Although wild tilapias are native to Africa, the fish has been introduced throughout the world and is now farmed in over 135 countries.

It is an ideal fish for farming because it doesn’t mind being crowded, grows quickly and consumes a cheap vegetarian diet. These qualities translate to a relatively inexpensive product compared to other types of seafood.

China is by far the world’s largest producer of tilapia. They produce over 1.6 million metric tons annually and provide the majority of the United States’ tilapia import.