Maoming is China's largest tilapia production base and export processing base, producing an output value of 6.5 billion yuan ($1.02 billion) last year, as well as providing 100,000 jobs. In 2021, the city's tilapia farming area was 260,000 mu (17,333 hectares), with an output of nearly 240,000 metric tons, accounting for one-twelfth of the world's total.

Tilapia is native to Africa. Since they are very similar to the Chinese crucian carp, they are also called African crucian carp. Tilapia was introduced to China in the 1950s and 1960s. Due to their fast growth, strong reproduction, and strong resistance to disease, tilapia is very affordable. They are popular in domestic and foreign markets due to their tender and delicious meat, as well as their lack of spines.

China's tilapia aquaculture is increasing at an average annual rate of about 5 percent, ranking first in the world. China provides about 700,000 tons of live tilapia and 400,000 tons of processed tilapia products each year.

Tilapia in Maoming. [Photo/WeChat account: maofabu]