60–90ºF/20–35ºC in both fresh and brackish
water. A number of different species and
hybrids are sold under the name tilapia, and
have different qualities. Oreochromis nilotica
is said to have been cultured the longest and
to have the best flesh. The Nile perch and
tilapia are among the few freshwater fish to
produce TMAO, which breaks down into
fishy-smelling TMA (p. 193).
Basses
The freshwater basses and sunfish of North
America are mostly sport fish, but one has
become an important product of aquaculture:
the hybrid striped bass, a cross between the
freshwater white bass of the eastern United
States and the seagoing striped bass. The
hybrid grows faster than either parent, is more
robust, and yields more meat, which can
remain edible for up to two weeks. Compared
to the wild striped bass, the hybrid has a more