WFLA News Channel 8 The Tampa Tribune CentroTampa.com

TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online

Most Recent Entries
More
Monthly Archives
Frank's Tacklebox

Tilapia Vs. Nile Perch

Posted Jan 7, 2008 by Frank Sargeant

Updated Jan 7, 2008 at 12:56 PM

Hi Frank: Enjoyed your article on tilapia. Set me straight, I recall about 30 or 35 years ago these fish were introduced into Lake Parker in Lakeland. The purpose at that time was to attempt to control elodea and other water weeds. These fish were called ‘‘Chinese Carp.’’ Do you know if these are the same kind of fish as tilapia? I looked at the Florida Fish & Wildlife web page and it says that these fish are mistakenly called Nile Perch. What say you? - Chuck Wilkeson, Zephyrhills

Chuck: No, tilapia are not the weed-eating carp. A species known as the white amur has been introduced here and there to cut down on weeds, and the fish are sterilized before they are released so that they won’t reproduce. The idea is they eat the weeds, then gradually die out. It hasn’t worked too well, though. As you indicate, tilapia and nile perch are not the same species. Tilapia reach maybe 8 to 10 pounds, nile perch over 100 pounds. They look quite a bit alike, but the nile perch is actually a distant relative of the snook, as well as the Australian barramundi. Best, FS

Reader Comments

Por (Harold C. Wiles) on January 08, 2008 (Suggest removal)

I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and loved fishing their.  There was nothing like the inshore wade fishing for snook, trout, and reds. Although i no longer reside in Florida, I still love the old Florida fishing.  I still pick up Frank Sargeants Hot Spots book and wonder if those spots still exist.  I use to love fishing around Honeymoon Island, Tarpon Springs(Anclote Key). Is there still anywhere to maybe wade fish anymore.  Thinking of coming that way sometime this year.  Thanks to Frank Sargeant and thanks if you can steer me into a good place to take grandkids fishing in the Tampa Bay area.

Suggest removal

Por (Andrew Schaffer) on January 17, 2008 (Suggest removal)

Hi,
I am new to the area and just picked up fishing.  My father-in-law wants to take me fishing in the Gulf but I am having a hard time finding a reputable captain.  Can you tell me some good ones or help find a way to narrow down all those advertising online?  Thanks for your help!

Suggest removal
Page 1 of 1 pages

Post a comment

Members:

(Requires free registration.)




Auto-login on future visits

Show my name in the online users list

Forgot your password?


Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
 

ADVERTISEMENT

IYP and SEO vendors: SEO by eLocalListing | Advertiser profiles