Mojarra vs. Tilapia — What's the Difference?

A common catch in recreational fishing.

A freshwater fish commonly farmed for food.

Fish known for their distinctive compressed bodies.

A member of the cichlid family, adaptable to various environments.

A term used in different regions to describe related fish species.

Fish species that have become invasive in some ecosystems.

A name for various small, silvery fish in the Gerreidae family.

Known for its fast growth and breeding in aquaculture.

Tropical fish often found in coastal waters.

Widely consumed due to its mild flavor.

Any of various small, silvery, mainly tropical marine fishes of the family Gerreidae, having a very protrusible mouth.

Tilapia ( tih-LAH-pee-ə) is the common name for nearly a hundred species of cichlid fish from the coelotilapine, coptodonine, heterotilapine, oreochromine, pelmatolapiine, and tilapiine tribes (formerly all were "Tilapiini"), with the economically most important species placed in the Coptodonini and Oreochromini. Tilapia are mainly freshwater fish inhabiting shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes, and less commonly found living in brackish water.

The mojarras are a family, Gerreidae, of fish in the order Perciformes. The family includes about 53 species found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate regions.

Any of various cichlid fishes of the genera Tilapia, Oreochromis, and Sarotherodon, native to Africa and the Middle East and raised for food in many parts of the world.

Any perciform fish in the family Gerreidae, often used as bait.

Any of various edible fish, formerly species of the genus Tilapia, but now placed in other cichlid genera (such as Oreochromis), native to Africa and the Middle East but cultivated worldwide.

Any of certain basslike marine fishes (mostly of tropical seas, and having a deep, compressed body, protracile mouth, and large silvery scales) constituting the family Gerridæ, as Gerres plumieri, found from Florida to Brazil and used as food. Also, any of numerous other fishes of similar appearance but belonging to other families.

A genus of Cichlidae

Small silvery schooling fishes with protrusible mouths found in warm coastal waters

Yes, mojarra is considered tasty with light, flaky flesh.

Tilapia is considered one of the more sustainable fish to farm due to their diet and growth rate.

While typically marine, some mojarra species can be found in brackish or freshwater.

While possible, most tilapia consumed are from farms due to their widespread aquaculture.

Some smaller species may be kept in aquariums but they are not common pets.

Tilapia are primarily freshwater fish but some species can tolerate brackish water.

Tilapia has lower omega-3 levels compared to other fish like salmon.

Tilapia can be invasive, often outcompeting native fish for resources.

Mojarras are not commonly farmed due to their slower growth rate compared to tilapia.

Mojarras often have a protruding lower jaw and compressed bodies.

Mojarra is often grilled or fried, especially in Latin American cuisines.

Their availability can vary depending on the region and fishing regulations.

Tilapia can reach harvest size in about 6 to 8 months.

Tilapia has a mild, somewhat sweet flavor and a firm texture.

The conservation status of mojarras varies by species; some may be under threat due to habitat loss.