There are many varieties of tilapia. However, the two best suited for aquaculture are the red tilapia (Oreochromis mossambica) and the black tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Although both strains can be raised in either fresh or brackish water, black tilapia usually are more suited to the fresh water than the red. The fillets are only slightly different in color. Fillets of both red and black tilapia, when raised correctly, will have a similar, mild taste.
Since Tilapia absorbs flavor from the water its raised in, wild tilapia can have a muddy or inconsistent flavor while aquacultured tilapia with reliable water sources, the high-quality feed, will taste mild and sweet. It is important to buy tilapia from a company with a reliable water source.