Spotted Tilapia
Tilapia mariae
A colorful cichlid species native to West Africa that has been introduced to Florida waters. Known for distinctive black spots and red coloration on fins during breeding season.
Spotted Tilapia at a glance
- Scientific name
- Tilapia mariae
- Typical size
- 6-12 inches, 0.5-2 lbs
- State record
- 2 lbs 9 oz
- Water
- Freshwater
- Habitat
- Freshwater
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Common
Habitat
Found in canals, ponds, and slow-moving freshwater areas throughout South Florida. Anglers target them with small hooks using worms, crickets, or bread near vegetation and structure in shallow water.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a spotted tilapia through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksSpotted Tilapia questions people ask
Spotted Tilapia is Tilapia mariae.
A typical spotted tilapia runs 6-12 inches, 0.5-2 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every spotted tilapia you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in canals, ponds, and slow-moving freshwater areas throughout South Florida. Anglers target them with small hooks using worms, crickets, or bread near vegetation and structure in shallow water. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.