"San Diego Joe" wrote in message
...
Under the heading of "Always Looking for Something New":

So I went to a local pond shop today looking for yellow butterfly Koi. They
didn't have any, but did have some African Tilapia, which they said would
over winter here in San Diego. Does anyone happen to have any experience
with these guys?

Hmmmm, maybe I can start a fish farm in the yard!


San Diego Joe
4,000 - 5,000 Gallons.
Goldfish, a RES named Colombo and an Oscar.


I raised Tilapia in one of my large aquariums for many years. They are hardy
(if you provide the proper environment, of course - being an east African rift
lake fish, they prefer alkaline water). Mine were so tame that I could feed
them by hand. Having said that, you should check local regulations because some
areas have banned growing Tilapia in outdoor ponds. The reason is that if they
get into the natural environment, they can crowd out native species and
literally take over a stream. My understanding is that they have become a big
problem in parts of Florida.