what is tilapia in english

Tilapia is a type of fish that belongs to the cichlid family and is native to Africa. It is now farmed in over 135 countries. Tilapia are mainly freshwater fish that inhabit shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes, and less commonly found living in brackish water. The common name "tilapia" is based on the name of the cichlid genus Tilapia, which is itself a latinization of tlhapi, the Tswana word for "fish". Tilapia is a mild-flavored fish that is relatively affordable and doesn’t taste very fishy. It is the fourth most commonly consumed type of seafood in the United States. Tilapia is highly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, but it is recommended to stick with a subtle sauce to avoid overpowering its delicate flavor.