The Wami Tilapia (Oreochromis urolepis hornorum), known locally as තිලාපියා (Tilapia), is an introduced freshwater cichlid species in Sri Lanka belonging to the family Cichlidae. Originating from the river systems of East Africa, it was introduced into Sri Lanka's inland waters, including man-made reservoirs, irrigation tanks, and brackish coastal lagoons. Typical of the Oreochromis genus, it possesses a deep, laterally compressed body, a long spiny dorsal fin, and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism; breeding males often display dark, near-black body coloration with striking white or reddish margins on the dorsal and caudal fins. As a maternal mouthbrooder, the female holds the fertilized eggs and young fry in her mouth for protection until they are fully free-swimming. Extremely tolerant of high salinity and variable water conditions, this omnivorous feeder consumes phytoplankton, detritus, algae, and small invertebrates, competing with local fauna for food and space in low-gradient aquatic environments.