Tilapia is a type of fish that belongs to the cichlid family. It is commonly found in freshwater habitats, such as lakes, rivers and ponds, primarily in Africa and Asia but also introduced in many other parts of the world including Central America and the United States. Tilapias are popularly farmed for food due to their fast growth rate, high yield and relatively mild flavor. They can be cooked in a variety of ways such as grilling, frying or baking, and they're often used in dishes like fish tacos or ceviche.