Invasive Tilapia

Staff of Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve recently removed ten sneaky tilapia in the headsprings of the Rainbow River. Two tilapia were observed at the beginning of the year, and it appears a few more had joined the party. It takes patience, stealth, and great eyesight to single out individual tilapia among the submerged and emergent vegetation. Early detection and rapid response is key to preventing invasive species from establishing. Rainbow Springs does not have an established population of tilapia like many other springs, and RSAP staff does their best to keep it that way.