It’s nearly impossible to dive Blue Grotto without being greeted by dozens — if not hundreds — of bluegills. But the Grotto is home to another fish species that is significantly larger, and many would say prettier, than the pervasive bream. Yet, ironically, many of our visitors aren’t even aware this fish exists.
We are speaking, of course, about the half-dozen or so tilapia that inhabit the shallow water near the floating dock. And these aren’t just any tilapia; they are the subspecies known as blue tilapia.
From a distance, these tilapias may appear white or gray, depending on sunlight. However, if you get close enough, you see their distinctive blue coloring. The following 30-second video will show you what they look like up close.
Blue tilapia can grow up to 18 inches long. Most of our tilapia are at least 12 inches long and appear to be growing even bigger.
Blue tilapia are not native to Florida. They were introduced to the state in 1961 and are now the most widespread foreign species in Florida. In some parts of Florida, the exponential growth of the tilapia population has adversely affected other fish species. Fortunately, our tilapia, bluegills and turtles appear to be happily coexisting.
Unlike the bluegills and a certain turtle (who will often come running to see you) the tilapia tend to be more reclusive. They usually confine themselves to the shallow water just west of the floating dock.
If you want to observe these fish up close, you must move slowly and keep as still as possible. Otherwise, they will swim away. You must also to take care not to stir up the bottom. As you saw in the video, it is possible to get within a few feet of some of the tilapia before they pack up and leave.
Would you like to know more? You will find a link to an in-depth Wikipedia article below.