Tilapia Species Recommendation

[Bill Moore]

There are any number of tilapia species available and I am unsure which will make the most sense for my indoor system. Blue, White, red, Hawaiian gold? What do I need to know or take unto consideration when ordering? Will probably drive down to Kansas City to pick up from White Brook Tilapia Farm.

[TCLynx]

I'm not that big a fan of Tilapia but.  What color is your fish tank?  I would say choose the species that will show up easiest in your fish tank to make them easier to see.  Like if you have a black or dark color tank, get the Lightest or whitest species.  If you have a white tank you can get the darker fish.  Or do some research to see which ones have the best growth rates or deepest fillets?

[Chip Pilkington]

I recently saw a post on another site of some White Brook fish - very impressive. Nice looking fish and the care and packing (these were shipped) was excellent as well. The poster was extremely pleased with the 50 or so White Tilapia he received. I think you would do well dealing with those folks. He posted a video or two on the fish as they've grown a bit. The post is on Murray's site under General Aquaponics Discussion, the thread is called "Tilapia arrive."

[Bill Moore]

Tank is black.  I currently have 3 charcoal gray Comet goldfish and four orange. The orange clearly show up better than the dark ones.  I really like the 'look' of the Hawaiian Gold.  I've asked White Brook which species would do better in 75-78F water since I don't want to add too much additional humidity in the basement by running the temp up to 85F.  Let's see what they say.

[TCLynx]

Do they offer rocky mountain whites?  They would probably also look attractive in a black tank and I don't think they require the water be especially warm since I think one of their parent speices is Blue Tilapia which are fairly tolerant of cooler water.  The blues on their own would not be very impressive in a dark tank and their growth rate in not spectacular either.

[Bill Moore]

Here's what they offer:

Blue Tilapia
Hawaiian Gold Tilapia
Red Nile Tilapia
White Brook Niles
Mozambique Tilapia

bill

[Bill Moore]

Just placed order for 30 White Nile tilapia fingerlings for pickup next month.  If they have any Hawaiian golds, might also buy a few of them to see how each does, if they'll sell me fewer than their 25 minimum order.