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Tilapia

Sushi name(s): Izumidai
Tilapia

Tilapia

At a glance

Eco-rating Mercury Omega-3s
+-Tilapia (recirculating aquaculture system)
Best
Low

MORE ABOUT TILAPIA

Most tilapia in the U.S. market are one of three species: blue, Mozambique and Nile.

In many of the developing countries where tilapia is raised, farming practices are less environmentally friendly than in the U.S. Since tilapia are not native to these areas, severe ecological damage can occur if tilapia escape to the wild. They can out-compete native species and greatly reduce aquatic vegetation.

In the U.S., tilapia are raised in closed tank systems, where the risk of escape is greatly minimized. Tilapia are fed mostly vegetable-based diets, and farming operations produce little water pollution.
+-Tilapia (ponds- Ecuador, raceways- Peru)
Best
Low

MORE ABOUT TILAPIA

Most tilapia sold in the U.S. is imported from Latin America and Asia, where fish are raised in outdoor freshwater farms. In Ecuador, tilapia are grown at low densities alongside shrimp to reduce water pollution. The result is less disease and chemical use.
+-Tilapia (ponds, imported except Ecuador)
OK
Low

MORE ABOUT TILAPIA

Most tilapia in the U.S. market are one of three species: blue, Mozambique and Nile.

In many of the developing countries where tilapia is raised, farming practices are less environmentally friendly than in the U.S. Since tilapia are not native to these areas, severe ecological damage can occur if tilapia escape to the wild. They can out-compete native species and greatly reduce aquatic vegetation.

Most tilapia sold in the U.S. is imported from Latin America and Asia, where fish are raised in outdoor freshwater farms. In China, problems with escaped fish and water pollution have been greatly reduced, however chemical use is still a concern

These ratings are provided in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, © 1999-2018 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Recommended servings per month

Contaminant Men Women Kids 6-12 Kids 0-5
Tilapia (recirculating aquaculture system) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 4+
Tilapia (ponds- Ecuador, raceways- Peru) Mercury 4 4+ 4+ 4+
Tilapia (ponds, imported except Ecuador) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 4+

This chart shows how much can safely be eaten each MONTH (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury data. More on contaminants »

Eco details: 

In the U.S., tilapia are grown in closed tank systems, where escapes and pollution can be closely managed.

However, most tilapia sold in the U.S. is imported from Latin America and Asia, where fish are raised in outdoor freshwater farms.

In Ecuador, tilapia are grown at low densities alongside shrimp to reduce water pollution. The result is less disease and chemical use.

In China, problems with escaped fish and water pollution have been greatly reduced, however chemical use is still a concern