Tilapia rank high in global aquaculture production. Carps are the only category of fish species with greater production than tilapias. Tilapias are a hardy species produced by several culture methods under a wide range of environmental conditions. They are tropical and subtropical species, but they have been cultured at temperate sites by using geothermal water, greenhouses, or other means of providing warm water during winter. Tilapias are produced in many countries, but most production occurs in tropical and subtropical regions in developing countries. Contrary to some aquaculture species, tilapias are important in local and export markets as well as food fish by rural farmers.