The Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), known locally as තිලාපියා (Tilapia) or තෙත් තිලාපියා (Thet Tilapia), is an introduced freshwater cichlid species in Sri Lanka belonging to the family Cichlidae. Native to southeastern Africa, it was among the earliest tilapia species intentionally introduced to Sri Lanka's inland waters to boost freshwater fisheries in irrigation tanks, reservoirs, and agricultural waterways. It features a laterally compressed, sturdy body with a spiny dorsal fin and exhibits marked sexual dimorphism during breeding; males develop a dark grey to jet-black body with contrasting white lower jaw and throat regions, edged with bright red margins on the dorsal and caudal fins. As a maternal mouthbrooder, females incubate eggs and shelter hatchlings inside their oral cavity until they reach independence. Highly adaptable, tolerant of low oxygen levels, high salinity, and degraded water conditions, this opportunistic omnivore feeds on algae, detritus, vegetation, and small invertebrates, often dominating local fish biomass and exerting pressure on native aquatic fauna.