Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is the breed of choice for aquaculture in the USVI.  It is a tropical finfish which tolerates the waster quality and density conditions of fish production systems.  It is an herbivore and readily accepts manufactured diets made from grains, some fish meal and supplemented with vitamins and minerals to meet the tilapia's nutritional needs.  Tilapia also spawns frequently and easily so a supply of young fingerlings can be ready for growout to meet the farmer's production needs.