Tilapia is kosher according to Jewish dietary law.

What is the scientific name of Tilapia?

The scientific name of Tilapia is Oreochromis species.

Does Tilapia have fins and scales?

Yes. Tilapia has both fins and removable scales, which is the requirement set in Leviticus 11:9-12 and Deuteronomy 14:9-10 for a fish to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Tilapia sushi or sashimi?

If Tilapia is prepared in a kosher kitchen with kosher utensils and ingredients, Tilapia sushi or sashimi can be kosher. Always verify the kosher certification of the restaurant or preparation source.

What is Tilapia called in Hebrew?

Tilapia is known as אמנון (אמנון) in Hebrew.

Where can I find more information about whether Tilapia is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Tilapia

Oreochromis species

Kosher

Has fins and scales

Fins Yes

Scales Yes

Description

Tilapia is mild and inexpensive and is usually fried or broiled. It became one of the most-eaten fish in the United States in the 2000s.

Tilapia are mainly freshwater fish native to Africa and the Middle East, living in shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes. They are farmed at huge scale across Asia, with China and Egypt the largest producers.

Also known as

Nile Tilapia
Mozambique Tilapia
St. Peter's Fish

Kosher Tilapia in foreign languages

Scientific	Oreochromis species
Hebrew	דג אמנון
Arabic	جثوم ذهبي
Greek	Τιλάπια
Chinese	口孵非鲫属
Japanese	チャンボ
Thai	ปลานิล

Gallery

Tilapia — Whole on ice — Whole on ice · Michaelphoya / CC BY-SA 4.0

Tilapia — Fillet — Fillet · HaJunkiyada / CC BY-SA 4.0

Tilapia — Cooked dish — Cooked dish · Elmer Centeno Guevarra / CC BY-SA 4.0

Warnings & Kosher Issues

Kosher. Tilapia have fins and scales.